Limited efficacy of cold and heat therapy as adjunctive treatments for local and functional outcomes of Bothrops atrox snakebite envenomation: A randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bothrops atrox envenomation can cause significant local and systemic effects. Adjunctive therapies, such as cold and heat applications, are proposed to enhance antivenom efficacy, but their clinical value remains unclear.

Methods

This randomized, three-arm clinical trial included 94 patients allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to Cold Therapy Group (CTG, n = 30), Heat Therapy Group (HTG, n = 31), or Control Group (CG, n = 33). All participants received standard antivenom therapy, with CTG and HTG receiving additional interventions applied for 24 hours post-admission. Primary outcomes included changes in creatine kinase (CK) levels. Secondary outcomes assessed pain intensity, edema, local temperature, and functional recovery using the World Health Organization Disability As

SUBMITTER: de Almeida MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12367189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature