Using ultrasound to assess rattlesnake bites
Point-of-care Ultrasound in the Assessment of Snake Bite
This study is testing whether using ultrasound can help doctors better diagnose and treat rattlesnake bites by spotting tissue damage more accurately.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tucson, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT04188899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve the diagnosis and management of rattlesnake bites by comparing clinical assessments with point-of-care ultrasound findings. It focuses on the early identification of tissue injury to facilitate timely antivenom administration and reduce complications. Given the high incidence of rattlesnake envenomation in Arizona, the study seeks to provide a more objective and reproducible method for assessing tissue damage. By utilizing bedside ultrasound technology, the research hopes to enhance patient outcomes and individualize treatment plans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients (18 years and older) who present with a complaint of a rattlesnake bite.
Not a fit: Patients who are hemodynamically unstable or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate assessments of tissue damage and improved management of rattlesnake bites, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of point-of-care ultrasound in emergency settings has shown promise, this specific application for rattlesnake bites is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (18 years and older) * Both genders * Complaint of snake bite Exclusion Criteria: * If they are unwilling to provide informed consent * Hemodynamically unstable patients (shock respiratory distress, altered mental status, and cardiorespiratory arrest) * All vulnerable patient populations, e.g., children, pregnant patients, prisoners, and patients unable to verbally consent due to cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Tucson, Arizona
- Banner University Medical Center-Tucson — Tucson, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Srikar Adhikari, MD, MS — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Srikar Adhikari, MD, MS
- Email: sadhikari@aemrc.arizona.edu
- Phone: 520-621-3623
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.