High mortality rate in our study was recorded in patients with severe injuries, severe head injury, tetanus and shock on admission. The length of hospital stay (LOS) has been reported to be

an important measure of morbidity among trauma patients. Prolonged hospitalization is associated with an unacceptable burden on resources GF120918 price for health and undermines the productive capacity of the population through time lost during hospitalization and disability. Our figures for the overall median LOS in the present study were higher than that reported by others [11, 20, 31]. Patients who had severe injuries, long bone fractures and those with hemiplegia secondary to spinal injuries stayed longer in the hospital. However, due to the poor socio-economic conditions in Tanzania, the duration of inpatient stay for our patients may be longer than expected. Generally, the overall outcome of our GDC-0449 research buy patients was good as more than ninety percent of patients (survivors) were discharged well without permanent disabilities. Self discharge by patient against medical advice is a recognized problem in our setting and this is rampant, especially amongst trauma

patients [34]. Similarly, poor follow up visits after discharge from hospitals remain a cause for PCI-32765 solubility dmso concern. These issues are often the results of poverty, long distance from the hospitals and ignorance. Delayed presentation, inadequate ICU space, discharge against medical advice, and the large number of loss to follow up were the major limitations of this study. Another potential limitation was that the analyzed group of patients was treated at a single medical centre. For that reason, the results may not be adequate for the whole population in this part of Tanzania. However, despite these limitations, the study has provided local data that can be utilized by health care providers to plan for preventive

strategies as well as establishment of management guidelines for patients with animal related injuries. The study also provides GNE-0877 a comparable data to the other parts of the world in the field of animal related injuries. The challenges identified in the management of these patients in our setting need to be addressed, in order to deliver optimal trauma care for the victims of animal related injuries. Conclusion Animal related injuries in this region affect predominantly young adult males in their economically productive age – group. The severe injury group requires great hospital resources and show high morbidity, mortality and permanent disability. Thus constituting a major health regional problem, they require closer observation and analysis from the decision makers to provide appropriate health promotion and prevention measures as well as assuring great resources for their proper treatment. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge all those who participated in the preparation of this manuscript and those who were involved in the care of our study patients.