Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 42
  • Issue: 1

Krait bite management in emergency department and patients outcome: A systematic review

  • Author:
  • Rajiv Ratan Singh1, Chandra Prakash2, Santosh Kumar3, Pradeep Kumar Yadav4,*, Sachin Kumar Tripathi5, Shobhna Yadav6
  • Total Page Count: 11
  • Page Number: 116 to 126

1Professor (Jr), Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

2Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, SN Medical College, Agra

3Senior Resident, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

4Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow

5Scientific Assistant, Toxicology Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow

6Medical Officer, CHC, Chinhat, UPPMS, Lucknow

*Corresponding author. E-mail address: - dctrprdp@gmail.com, (Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav), Contact Number: 9410662955

Online published on 19 June, 2025.

Abstract

The bite of the Krait (Bungarus species) is a vital medical emergency and required immediate admission in emergency department for the management of envenomation.

The present systemic review aimed to explore the available evidences for the management of krait bite in Emergency Medicine Department and patient outcome.

To design the systematic review the database PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science, were extensively searched to identify and extract the pertinent literatures. Studies published from 2001 to 2023 were included. We have identified 1133 records from PubMed (total 189,), Science Direct (total 812,) BioMed Central, (28 articles), Research Gate (100 articles, others(4). Since Researchgate is not a well-defined database, we did not included these (100) articles. 18 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Eighteen studies were screened, covering 1014 patients. Krait bites, a major health burden in tropical regions, require immediate medical attention. Delays in identifying the snake, antivenom administration, and hospital transfer result in high mortality. Early intervention and proper antivenom usage are crucial for survival.

This review underscores the urgent need for rapid intervention in krait envenomation cases. Timely antivenom administration and improved emergency protocols are crucial for survival. Delays in treatment and identification lead to high mortality. Standardized guidelines and enhanced training for healthcare providers are essential to manage krait bites effectively in emergency settings.

Keywords

Antivenins, Emergency Medical Services, Krait Venoms, Neuromuscular Diseases, Snake Bites, Treatment Outcome