History Of Snake Bite Research Articles

Snake bite in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh: a study of bitten patients who developed no signs of systemic envenoming

The demographics, epidemiology, first aid, clinical management, treatment and outcome of snake bites causing no significant signs of systemic envenoming were documented in Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, between May 1999 and October 2002. Among 884 patients admitted, 350 were systemically envenomed and 534 were without signs of either systemic or significant local envenoming. The average age of patients with physical evidence of snake bite but no systemic envenoming was 26.4 years. Most had been bitten on their feet or hands. Ligatures had been applied proximal to the bite site in >95% of cases and the bite site had been incised in 13%. Patients were typically discharged at 24 h. Those with clinical signs of systemic envenoming resembled the non-envenomed cases demographically and epidemiologically except that they arrived at hospital significantly later than non-envenomed patients, having spent longer with traditional healers. No non-envenomed patient was treated with antivenom and none went on to develop symptoms of systemic envenoming after discharge. The potential complications and confusing signs caused by ligatures and incision demand that all patients admitted with a history of snake bite be kept under observation for 24 h after admission even if they have no signs of systemic envenoming.

Chronic renal failure in North Central Province of Sri Lanka: an environmentally induced disease

This study was conducted to determine the aetiology of chronic renal failure (CRF) in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Patients (n=183) with CRF of unknown aetiology were compared with controls (n=200) who had no evidence of chronic renal dysfunction. Exposure to possible risk factors were determined by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Being a farmer (P<0.001), using pesticides (P<0.001), drinking well water (P<0.001), a family history of renal dysfunction (P=0.001), use of ayurvedic treatment (P<0.001) and a history of snake bite (P<0.001) were risk factors for CRF of unknown aetiology. Using logistic regression analysis, a family history of chronic renal disease, taking ayurvedic treatment and history of snake bite were found to be significant predictors for CRF of unknown aetiology. There is evidence to support an environmental aetiology to CRF in Sri Lanka.

Protection against Snake Bites by Sleeping under a Bed Net in Southeastern Nepal

Snake bites in persons while they are asleep indoors are associated with a high risk of fatal outcome in southeastern Nepal. The preventive impact of sleeping under a bed net was assessed in four villages in a case-control study. A case was defined as a person with a history of snake bite that occurred indoors while asleep. Cases were matched with controls by village, type of household, sex, and age category. Of the 11,176 households visited, 56 cases, including 13 (23%) with a fatal outcome and 56 controls were included in the analysis. Sleeping under a bed net was a strong protective factor (odds ratio = 0.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.007-0.07, P < 0.0001), whereas the place of sleeping in the household and the use of a cot were not associated with the risk of snake bite. These findings provide further support for use of bed nets in this region.

Cardiac involvement in snake bite

Cardiac complications are not prominent features of snake bite and the clinical picture is usually dominated by neurological, haematological and vascular damage by the snake bite toxins. Myocardial involvement is seen on occasions and may rarely contribute to morbidity and mortality. T wave abnormalities are the most common manifestation of myocardial involvement, although ST segment depression, QRS prolongation and AV conduction defects may also be seen rarely. ECG changes are usually transient but when persistent they are attributed to direct myocardial damage due to the toxin [1], One such case who showed these rare ECG changes following snake bite is reported. Case Report 61 year old female patient, not a known case of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or any other illness was hospitalised with the history of snake bite over the left foot. She had tingling sensation and numbness over the limb up to knee joint associated with progressive swelling upto mid calf region in next 6 hours. Clinical examination revealed an elderly lady, afebrile, having irregularly irregular pulse of 1487min and BP110/70 mm Hg. Systemic examination was not contributory. Investigation showed abnormal coagulation parameters (BT-8′20” CT-25′), platelet count 1,80,000/cmm, Hbllgm/dl, TLC 7600/cmm, blood urea 30 mg/dl, serum creatinine 0.6 mg/dl, cardiac enzymes as available were SGOT 30 IU/1 and SGPT 18 IU/l. Serial estimation over the next 3 days did not show any abnormalities in enzyme levels. Other investigations like serum electrolytes, serum calcium, prothrombin time and X-ray chest were within normal limits. Fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation product estimation could not be done. ECG showed an irregular rhythm, junctional ectopics. RBBB and ST depression of 1-4 mm (Fig-1). Patient was managed with anti-snake venom, xylocard and supportive measures. Pulse rate returned to normal in next 48 hours while coagulation parameters reverted to normalcy in 96 hours. Patient made an uneventful recovery. Serial ECG showed reversal to sinus rhythm in 48 hours. Open in a separate window Fig. 1 Cardiac involvement in snake bite

HAZARDS TO HEALTH; POISONOUS SNAKEBITE.

IN this day and age of science fairs, mail-order houses, family camping trips and extensive travel, the problem of snakebite is becoming more common. The patient described below was referred to the Boston Poison Information Center.Case ReportG.W. (B.F.H. 47960), a 16-year-old boy, was admitted to the Boston Floating Hospital with a history of snakebite 2 hours previously. He had been in good health until he was bitten by a Western diamondback rattlesnake he was caring for as part of a high-school science project. The single fang mark was on the distal phalanx of the 4th right finger, and . . .