Snakebites and resource utilization in pediatric urban and rural populations in the United States: 2016–2023

Abstract Background Nearly 7,000 snakebite injuries are reported yearly in the United States, with almost one quarter of those in the pediatric population. Due to increased exposure to snakes, rural children may experience different clinical outcomes for snakebite injuries. The goal of this study was to examine differences in resource utilization of rural and urban pediatric patients with snakebite injuries. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 21 years and under presenting with venomous snakebites in the United States from January 1, 2016, through March 31, 2023, using the Pediatric Hospital Information System database and ICD-10 codes indicating snakebites. Comparisons were conducted to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics in association with resource utilization and complications between patients living in rural areas and patients living in urban areas. Results The study included 2,633 patients from 23 states. The median age was 9 years; 61% of patients were male. Most patients were in the South and over 70% resided in urban areas. 82% of the population was admitted to a hospital, with median length of stay 1.59 days. Compared to urban patients, rural patients were more likely to be admitted and receive antivenom but were less likely to have an intensive care unit admission and have abnormal coagulation studies. Conclusions Rural pediatric patients with snakebites had different resource utilization and clinical complications than urban patients.