A study on demographical and clinical profile and the outcome of snake bite victims in a tristate tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: Snake bite continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality especially 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. Objective: To know demographical and clinical profile of snake bite patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Kuppam. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in which 60 cases of snake bite admitted from January 2014 to December 2014 consecutively. The data regarding demographical profile, clinical profile of snake bite victims were recorded and analyzed. Result: Total number of 60 victims of consecutive snake bites were studied who sort admission/management to PES Hospital between January 2014 and December 2014. Male prevalence was twice that of female. A majority of victims were in the age group of 20-50 years and rural (86.7%) population. The most bites occurred during the dawn and early time (55%) and mainly on lower limbs (65%). Most of the bites occurred in the monsoon season. Agriculturists (61.7%) were most vulnerable population. Among the identified bite victims, viper bites were more followed by krait. Complications as a result of snake bite were in the range of 28.3%. Complications due to anti-snake venom were less than 10% and serious reactions were less 1%. Conclusion: In the tristate region, snake bite is a major rural occupational health hazard among the farmers. Population awareness programs regarding prevention, first-aid, and the importance of the early transfers to be emphasized.