A Nationwide Study on the Risks of Complications and Healthcare Costs of Snakebite Envenomation in Taiwan

In Taiwan, six medically important venomous snakes, Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri, Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Deinagkistrodon acutus, Daboia siamensis, Naja atra, and Bungarus multicinctus, are found. However, comprehensive research on the complications and associated healthcare costs of snakebite envenomation (SBE) is lacking. We retrospectively analyzed pertinent information from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database dated January 2002 to December 2014. We investigated the risk factors for complications and their impact on healthcare costs. Among the 12,542 patients with SBE, those from N. atra or B. multicinctus were more likely to experience wound infections and neurological complications than were those from T. s. stejnegeri or P. mucrosquamatus. In addition, being female, being elderly, and having a Charlson Comorbidity Index equal to or greater than 3 points were associated with an increased likelihood of wound infections and psychological complications. The annual national economic burden averaged US$1,083,624, with an average healthcare cost of US$1,129 per SBE. Snakebite envenomations from N. atra or B. multicinctus, as well as various complications, resulted in significantly higher costs. It is crucial to comprehend the risk factors for complications and their role in increasing expenses to provide insight for tailored healthcare interventions, mitigate complications, and reduce the economic burdens associated with SBEs.