ABSTRACT
Background: Snake bite is largely an unrecognized public health problem. No snake bite data is available from any reliable source for Pakistan. This study was carried out to document the epidemiological, clinical and outcome data and the folk treatments in this area
Patients and Methods: A total number of 53 patients complaining of snake bite, admitted to Nishtar Hospital Multan during June-October, 2007 were included in this study. After taking a proper consent, history and physical examination were recorded on admission. Patients were followed up till discharge and physical features, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome were recorded on a proforma. Patients were grouped on the basis of their physical findings, and anti snake venom [ASV] used
Results: More males [62%] of working age group [age > 18 years] were bitten mostly on the lower limbs [64.15%] mostly during August-September [85.80%]. None of the patients could recognize the offending snake. Thirty seven percent of patients developed features of intoxication [ophitoxaemia], 23% of patients bitten by the venomous snakes were of 'dry bite1 type and 40% were possibly bitten by non-venomous snakes or those were bat bite, rat bite or thorn prick injuries. Patients who developed ophitoxaemia were treated by injecting anti snake venom [ASV] and other therapeutic measures were taken. Sixty percent of them showed haemotoxic symptoms, 50% of the patients showed neurotoxic symptoms and 20% of them needed ventilatory support in ICU. Most of them [85%] cured completely, some of them [15%] left against medical advice but were in better condition. No death took place in the hospital
Conclusion: Most patients complaining of snake bite did not develop features of ophitoxaemia. Twenty three percent of snake bites were 'dry bites'. Most folk treatments were not beneficial. Local application of Azadirachta Indica [Neem] has some scientific basis