JIST

Abstract

'Introduction: The study of the pattern of snakebite is essential to provide pertinent information to the concerned authorities in order to manage snakebite appropriately.

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to know the influence of socio economic status, age and anti-snake venom administration in the treatment of snake bite cases & duration of hospitalization in Tertiary Care Hospital, Bengaluru.

Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study made over a period of six months. All poisoning cases reported during the study period were included except cases with no visible snake bite mark or obscure history, bite from other reptiles/animals, patients with history of bleeding disorders like Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), hemophilia, patients who went Discharged against Medical Advice (DAMA) or who were referred to other centers were excluded from the study.

Results: Anti Snake Venom (ASV) was administered in 75% cases (81 victims). Of the remaining 27 cases, 25 cases were not given ASV as there were no clinical manifestations of envenomation and in 2 cases ASV was not given as the patient had severe reactions, thus the patient was maintained on ancillary treatment. Of the 108 victims who received ASV, 77.77% (84 victims) cases needed 5 to 20 vials and 2 cases with haemotoxic envenomation having persistent bleeding received >50 vials of ASV. Most of the people affected belong to the age group of 20-45 and about 61% (66 victims) required hospitalization for 2-4 days.

Conclusion: Though the efficient and specific treatment for snake bite is administration of ASV, high cost and poor affordability, lack of availability in primary health care centers, higher incidence in rural areas, and lack of educational support, lack of knowledge about ASV and ancillary treatment modalities are the reasons for high mortality and morbidity prevailing in snake bite cases. The health of the patient and the amount of envenomation determine the duration of stay in the hospital.