Patients with Arthropod Bites and Stings Presenting to the Emergency Department: Clinical Features and Burden on the Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: There are few studies analyzing the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of arthropod bites and stings, emergency department (ED) admission rate and cost burden. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and ED burden of such cases.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 954 patients who presented to ED after exposure to arthropods. The demograph­ic and clinical characteristics, treatment rates, consultation and hospitalization requirements, and costs were evaluated.

Results: The rate of presentation to the ED after exposure to arthropods was 0.36%. Among the identifiable insects, 25%, 22%, 5%, 3% and 1% patients were exposed to bees, ticks, scorpions, spiders, and centipedes, respectively. Of the included patients, 51% were male and the mean age was 39.4±14.8 years. Exposure to arthropods was most commonly seen in the summers (45%). Local and systemic toxicities developed in 11% and 1% of patients, respectively. Further examinations were requested in 50% of cases and 83% of cases received treatment. 4% of cases were hospitalized, and 21% were prescribed medicines.. The average cost per patient of exposure to spiders, scorpions, centipedes, ticks and bees were 45.5, 28.3, 17.3, 12.6, and 10.1 US Dollars, respectively. The total cost of ED for all patients was calculated as $12,694.65.

Conclusion: We believe that a better understanding of the characteristics and prevalence of arthropod bites and stings will have a positive impact on primary prevention, health resource planning and reducing the burden on EDs by improv­ing people's knowledge and practices to reduce the incidence of bites and stings.