A study of clinico-epidemiological profile of patients of snake bite and their outcome in a tertiary care centre in central zone of Himachal Pradesh

Background: The aim of this study was to assess clinico-epidemiological profile, prevalent treatment practices and outcome of snake bite patients in a tertiary care hospital in a hilly North central region of Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A hospital record based retrospective descriptive study was done which included demographic data, clinical profile, prevalent traditional treatment methods of snake bite, treatment given at hospital and outcome among 144 patients. Results: The 123 (83%) patients were young (age group of 17-50 years) and number of female patients was 89 (62%), 29 (38%) more than male patients. Most of snake bite cases recorded, presented in the months of July to September 56 (72.7%). The most frequently bitten sites were the upper limbs particularly left hand. 61 (42%) of patients presented without any features of envenomation. Hematotoxicity was the commonest presentation in 68 (82%) of patients followed by neuroparalysis in 26 (18%) of the symptomatic cases. Green snake (Green pit viper) was the commonest snake seen. Cure rate in our study was more than 80%. Major reason for delayed presentation was consultation of traditional healers. Conclusions: In the tropics and subtropics, snake bite is a life threatening health hazard especially in poor rural people who usually waste precious time by indulging in harmful activities. This needs public as well as health care workers’ awareness and prompt intervention in a health care facility.