Vasculotoxic Snake Bite: Infusion Antisnake Venom Therapy versus Bolus Antisnake Venom Therapy at Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

The problem of snake bites is widespread throughout the world and particularly in tropical regions. In India, snake bites are found to be one of the leading causes of mortalities and morbidities. According to statistics, approximately 35 000 to 50 000 fatal bites occur every year in India. However, snake bites are usually prevalent in rainy season. Burden of snake-bite has been documented by many investigators recently, with the consequences of snake bite being explored. Identifying chronic impairments and associated socioeconomic costs is an important part of assessing snakebite burden, however, providing significant data on these respect is difficult. Aim: To study infusion antisnake venom therapy versus bolus antisnake venom therapy in vasculotoxic snake bite at tertiary healthcare care. Material and methods: The current study was an observational study. During the study, four different anti-snake venom regimens were used to treat patients with vasculotoxic snake bites by comparing clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, the amount of anti-snake venom required, the incidence of complications, and the outcomes. Results: In the present study, demographic data showed significant preponderance of snakebite amongst farmers (n=44). However, the drill was followed by housewives (n=29), students (n=17), teachers (n=4) and shopkeepers (n=3) amongst the reported cases respectively. Conclusion: study concludes that not only proper regimens but also the modality of treatment for the patients of viperine vasculotoxic snake bite is equally important. In order to decrease the morbidity and mortality of snake bite patients, it is imperative to make ASV available universally in areas with high snake bite incidences and to adequately train health care providers about snake bite treatment.