Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUNDSnake bite is a significant health concern, especially in rural populations of tropical and subtropical countries.Under-reporting of snake bite incidence and mortality is common.High mortality persists due to poor health facilities in rural areas and delayed reporting.WHO now recognizes snake bite as a neglected tropical disease.In India around 90% snake bite are caused by the 'big four' -common Krait, Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper and Saw Scaled Viper.We wanted to study the spectrum of snake bite cases in tertiary care centre of Bundelkhand region. METHODSThis is a retrospective descriptive study conducted in MLB Medical College, Jhansi.The data was collected from record files of patients who reported to the emergency department with the complaint of alleged snake bite between January 2018 to April 2019.Detailed history with reference to envenomation was obtained and time interval between bite and initiation of treatment was also noted.All data about clinical examination and blood investigations (including LFT, KFT, CBC, WBCT, ABG) were noted. RESULTSMale: female ratio was 1.53:1, with maximum number of patients in the age group of 31-40 years, followed by 21-30 years and 11-20 years.Majority of the cases reported in the season of monsoon.Most of the patients reported within 6 hours of getting snake bite (111 out of 225).146 patients stayed till the completion of treatments while, 65 patients absconded and 12 left against medical advice for being kept under observation after symptoms were relieved.2 patients expired due to respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONSHigh degree of suspicion of snakebite is required in patients who present with unexplained neurological manifestations, especially in monsoon season as in majority of patients there are no local manifestations at the site of bite.Special precautions are needed during monsoon and availability of plentiful anti-snake venom and facilities for artificial ventilation with fast ambulance service which can shift the patient to tertiary care centre is required.Most of the patients in Bundelkhand region reported within 6 hours to the tertiary care centre.Large number of patients at first consulted traditional healers or faith healers and it was only after the condition worsened that they reported to the hospital.
Authors: Rajat Jain, Rajiv Kumar, Swati Azad, Gauri Naryani, Sanya Jain
Institution: Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2978434169