1Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, M.S Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
2Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, J. N. Medical College, Belgaum
3Professor, Departement of General Medicine, J.N. Medical College, Belgaum
*Corrosponding author: Dr Mallikarjun Kalashetty, Associate Professor, Department Of General Medicine, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, E mail ID- mkalasetty@gmail.com, Mobile no- 9448781560
Snake bite continues to cause significant mortality and morbidity in this part of the world, where agriculture is the main occupation of majority of population, increasing the chances of contact between the snake and human. This study was undertaken to study the demographical aspects, clinical manifestations and laboratory profile following snake bites in this part of the country.
This was a cross sectional study of demographical, clinical manifestations and relevant laboratory investigations in first hundred consecutively admied patients with snake bite in a tertiary care hospital, for a period of one year between April 1st2004 to March 31st2005. Patients with bites from other poisonous creatures were excluded. A detailed history regarding demographical aspects and clinical manifestations following snake bite was taken in every patient. A thorough examination was made for local signs, systemic manifestation of envenomation, and relevant investigations were done in all the patients.
Present study revealed that snake bite was common in rural areas (86%), affecting mainly the agricultural workers(73%). There was more incidence of bite over lower extremity (71%). Most bites occurred in the fields(76%), while working and peaked during Rainy season(69%).
There were only 22 poisonous snake bites of total 100 cases. Haematotoxic snake bites were the commonest poisonous snake bites seen in 16(72%) patients. Five of these patients developed acute renal failure. Neurotoxic bites were seen in 6 patients, with ptosis being the commonest presentation seen in 5(83%). 3(50%) patients developed respiratory distress.
Snake bite is commoner in rural areas affecting mainly the agricultural workers. Most of the bites are due to non poisonous snakes which do not require treatment with ASV. Urine examination should be done in all snake bite cases as it is found to be very common feature of systemic envenomation by haematotoxic snake bites which are the commonest poisonous snake bites in this part of the world. Signs of poisonous snake bites detected early and treated promptly will reduce mortality and morbidity as this study revealed a mortality rate of only 1%.
Snake bite, Envenomation, ASV.
