A STUDY ON CLINICAL PROFILE OF SNAKEBITE VICTIMS IN A SEMIURBAN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Snakebite is an important occupational hazard and cause of morbidity and mortality in rural and semiurban areas in Tamilnadu, in spite of which, only few studies have been done. The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of snakebites, their clinical profile, management, in view of better understanding and management of snakebite. METHODSThis is a descriptive observational study conducted in Intensive Care Unit of Government Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital, Chengalpattu for a period of 2 months (March 2016 -April 2016. Careful history, detailed clinical examination, Whole Blood Clotting Time (WBCT), and routine investigations were taken for all patients of snakebite. Management was as per WHO protocols. RESULTS77 patients were included in the study. 62% were men with 71.5% of bites in the lower limb. 79% arrived at the hospital within 6 hours of bite. 71% had signs of envenomation. 72% required ASV of which 23% developed allergy to ASV. 31.5% developed complications and 6.5% of patients admitted with snakebite died. CONCLUSIONThe snakebite patients were predominantly males with majority of them reporting to hospital within 6 hours. The most common clinical feature was cellulitis with majority of patients requiring ASV. In spite of most of the patients reporting to hospital within 6 hours, complication rates and mortality rates are high indicating the need for better education about first aid and need for better facilities for management at the primary healthcare level.