Demography, clinical profile, morbidity and mortality pattern of snake bite cases in children: a study at tertiary teaching hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Snake bite is one of the important health problems in tropical and sub-tropical countries including India. Most snake bites present without envenomation as most bites are usually due to non-poisonous snakes and even poisonous snakes can control amount of venom injected. Even though mortality is under reported, India accounts for most of deaths due to snake bite.Methods: A hospital based descriptive case study was conducted at Pediatric ward of VIMS Ballari. All children with definite history of snake bite with fang marks or features of local/systemic envenomation were included in study. Demographic parameters, symptomatology and complications were noted down as per pro forma and data was analyzed.Results: Most bites occurred in lower limbs in older children while playing outdoors. Most cases were from rural area. Majority presented with local toxicity followed by hemotoxicity and neuroparalysis. Two children died, one because of respiratory paralysis and other by acute kidney injury.Conclusions: Snake bite is a preventable health problem. By wearing protective shoes and avoiding outdoor sleep many snake bites can be avoided. Early, aggressive but judicious use of antisnake venom is a cornerstone of management.