The Study of Clinico-Epidemiological Profile and Outcome of Poisonous Snake Bites in Children

Abstract

Objective: To study the poisonous snake bite cases with particular attention to demography, epidemiology, clinical profile and outcome in children.

Study Design: Observational / Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Pediatric Unit I, Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2013.

Methods and Materials: The record of 41 cases of poisonous snake bite admitting in Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur was reviewed. Detailed information was collected.

Results: Among 41 cases studied 85.37% were males. The majority of the cases (68.29%) were in the age group of 10-15 years. The majority of the cases (97.56%) were from rural area. The site of bite was on lower extremity in 82.93% cases. The timing of snake bite was evening or night in 87.8% cases.  The 68.29% snake bites were in the months of monsoon season. The main type of envenomation encountered in this study was vasculotoxic. The common symptoms include local edema in 82.92%, pain in 75.61%, cellulitis in 63.41%, bleeding from bite site in 43.9% cases. The mean (±SD) antisnake venom vials used was 9.39 (±4.77). Abnormal bleeding profile was noted in 58.54% cases. The mean (±SD) hospital stay was 6.27 (±1.75) days. The case fatality rate was 4.88%.       

Conclusion: Anti snake venom should be a part of primary health care in areas where snake bites are common thereby referral to higher centers can be minimized and timely treatment can be given.