Clinical spectrum of snake bite and therapeutic challenges

To determine the clinical spectrum, therapeutic challenges and outcome of patients of snakebite presenting to Azad Kashmir Combined Military Hospital [AK CMH] Rawalakot. It is an observational descriptive study. The study was carried out at AK CMH Rawalakot from January 2006 to August 2006. Adults above 12 years of age with definitive history of snakebite were included in this study. Detailed history and examination was carried out. Vital signs and peak expiratory flow rate were monitored regularly. Blood complete picture with platelets count, bleeding time, clotting time, and urine for red blood cells were done in all patients. All patients with local or systemic signs of envenomation were administered antisnake venom. Fifty adult cases of snakebite were studied. Typically, victims were male between 15 and 30 years of age. Thirty-five [70%] of them showed evidence of envenomation and all of them were administered polyvalent antisnake venom and three of them developed hypersensitivity to antisnake venom Most of the snakes found in this area are venomous and general population has very little knowledge of appropriate first aid measures. Delay in treatment increases mortality and morbidity therefore adequate supply of antisnake venom should be maintained in all remote health facilities