A Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Neuroparalytic Snake Bite: Using Low Dose ASV in a Tertiary Care Centre from North India.

OBJECTIVE

Snake bite in India is a common medical emergency and an occupational hazard for majority of Indian population especially farmers. Epidemiological data on snake bite from the North India is sparse. Hence we conducted this study to find clinico-epidemiological profile of neuroparalytic snake bite.

METHODS

This is a record-based, descriptive study carried out at the Department of Medicine, M.L.N. Medical College and associated Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Allahabad, U.P. (India) which is a tertiary care hospital of north India.. This study describes the epidemiology, arrival delays and the outcome of neuroparalytic snakebites with low dose ASV along with ventilatory support.

RESULTS

Among the total 113 cases of neuroparalytic snake bite victims (56.63%) were males aged 21-40 years. Majorities of the victims were bitten outdoor (63.71%) and most of the bites occurred on the lower limbs (83%). The highest number of cases occurred during the monsoon season of July-September. Most of the victims were farmers (53.44%) and labourers (30.55%), which suggested that snake bite was an occupational hazard. Mean dose of ASV administered was 16.99 vials. The percentage of patients requiring intensive care and ventilatory support were (40.70%) and the total percentage of patients showing recovery was (84.07%). The most important positive prognostic factor was reaching hospital within 7 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Snake bite can be viewed as an occupational hazard among farmers and labourers. Delay in reaching hospital in time where definite treatment and care can be done was identified as the most important cause of mortality. Low dose ASV administration and ventilatory support can provide sufficient cure if patients reach on time. Public health programs regarding the prevention and the importance of the early arrival to the hospital should be emphasized.