Pattern of Snake Bite Cases Admitted at a Tertiary Hospital, Khammam

Abstract

In tropical regions of the world, most snakebite cases are caused by four (Big four) venomous snakes. This is a hospital-based prospective  study conducted from April 2020 to March 2021 at the Emergency Department, Mamata General Hospital attached Medical College,  Khammam Telangana, India. All the patients irrespective of age and sex, who reported a history of snakebite were included in the study.  There was a total of 50 snake bites among which males were 39 (78.00%) and 11 (22.00%) were females, with male to female ratio of 3.54.  The highest incidence of snake bites was observed in 31-40 years; most of the victims were illiterate. The majority of the victims were from  rural areas 44 (88.00) as compared to urban areas 6 (12.00%). The most vulnerable occupations were people involved in agricultural  activities 36 (72.00%). The study group was predominately bitten outdoors46 (92.00%). The maximum cases of snake bites were recorded  in the rainy season and the peak incidence of snake bites was recorded in the night time. Fang marks were recorded in 45.38% of the  cases.16.9% of them were reported to a hospital within an hour of the bite. 33.03% reported within 24 hours of the bite. The most common  areas of bites were lower limbs 28 (56.00%). Most of the patients could not identify the snake 40 (80.00%) and among identified poisonous  snakes 10 (20.00%). Viperidae (hemotoxic) and Elapidae (neurotoxic) type were 28 (56.00%) and 20 (40.00%) respectively. The majority  of victims were treated with ASV48 (96.00%) and most of them survived 44 (88.00%).