A CLINICO- EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SNAKE BITE AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Noorussaba Arfeen; S K Astik; U S Prasad

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2020

A CLINICO- EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SNAKE BITE AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Noorussaba Arfeen, S K Astik, U S Prasad

Abstract :

Background: Snake bite has been recognised as a major public health problem. Objective: The present work was conducted for the purpose of evaluating snake bite with reference to its clinic–epidemiological profile. Material and Methods: The present work was designed as a tertiary urban hospital based, observational, clinico–epidemiological study during the period from June 2018 to May 2019. Results: Out of 76 patients, maximum no. of patients (n=37, 48.68%) bitten were in the age–group of 20–40 years. Maximum incidence of snake bite was found in farmers (79.48%, n=62). Males (67.10%, n=51) were bitten more. Out of 76 patients, 37 patients (47.43%) had non–poisonous snake bites and 39 patients (52.57%) had poisonous snake bites. Neurotoxic bite was seen in 34 patients (43.58%). Fifty–two patients (66.67%) came with tourniquet application as first aid. Eleven cases (14.10%) had received non–medical treatment before admission. In the present study, 12 (15.38%) patients were admitted within first 6 hours and forty two (53.84%) patients were admitted within the first 24 hrs. Ptosis (100%) was the commonest and earliest manifestation of neuroparalytic snake bite. Commonest vasotoxic snake bite manifestation was local bleed (71.42%, n=5) followed by cellulitis (57.14%). Conclusions: The present study offers insight into the current status of the snake bite. Population awareness programs regarding prevention, first–aid and the importance of the early transfers to be emphasized.