Clinical Profile and Outcome Of Snake Bite in Pediatric Population in A Rural Tertiary Care Center, Aims, Mandya, Karnataka,India

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Cobra (Najanaja), Russell’s viper (Daboiarusselii), Saw-scaled viper (Echiscarinatus), and Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), they are popularly known as “Big four” are highly venomous and responsible for most of the poisonous bites in India. Snakes are most likely to bite human being when they feel threatened, startled or provoked, and/or have no means of escape when cornered. The peak age for Snake bite is school age children, adolescent and young adults and peak fatality rate is in young children and the elderly. This retrospective descriptive study was carried out to ascertain clinical profile and outcome of snake bite in pediatric population. Material &Methods: This is a retrospective observational study done from January 2018- December 2020, in Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Ssciences, Mandya, Karnataka,India involving childhood snake bite. Data was noted on a predesigned proforma, it was compiled and entered in MS Excel spread sheet; descriptive statistics was applied. Results: There were 36 children who were enrolled in the study. Out of which 25 (69.4%) were males and 11(30.6%) were females. Most commonly affected age group was between 14-18 years i.e. 13 cases (36.1%). Most of the children experienced bite in night time i.e. 31 children (86.1%) and lower limb was most common site i.e. 32 children (88.9%). Viper was most common snake we encountered in our study i.e. 20 cases (55.5%), which was followed by non-poisonous snakes i.e. 13 cases (36.1%). 2 cases (5.5%) were krait and 1 (2.8%) was cobra. Among local signs and symptoms fang mark was seen in majority of cases i.e. 32 children (88.9%), which was followed by bite site pain, was seen in 23 cases (63.9%). Among systemic signs and symptoms majority of the cases had deranged coagulation profile i.e. 11 cases (30.6%). Cellulitis was the most common complication seen in 12 cases (33.3%). Out of 36 cases, 35 (97.2%) cases improved and 1 (2.8%) case got succumbed. Conclusion: Snake bite remains a major health problem in children causing significant morbidity and mortality. Community education, early presentation to hospital and high index of suspicion will reduce the mortality from Snake bite.