Epidemiological and clinical features of hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale and Hypnale zara) envenoming in children.

Abstract

BackgroundBites by the hump-nosed pit vipers (HNPV) of the genus Hypnale are the commonest type of venomous snakebites in Sri Lanka. Their bites frequently cause local effects while rarely causing systemic envenoming, that may include acute kidney injury and coagulopathy. There are 3 species of genus Hypnale including H. hypnale, H. zara and H. nepa from which latter two are endemic to Sri Lanka. Virtually all studies on HNPV bites in Sri Lanka are focused on adults except two studies in paediatric group. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of HNPV bites in a group of children admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.Methodology/principal findingsThis was a prospective observational study carried out in Teaching Hospital Ratnapura, Sri Lanka over 27 months commencing from May 2020 including all children aged up to 14 years with the history of HNPV bites. There were 40 (56%) HNPV bites, of them 28 (70%) were males. The age was 84 months (50.2-120 months). Majority (n = 21;52.5%) were bitten during day-time (06:00-17:59) in home gardens (n = 20; 50%) on lower limbs (n = 24;60%). Most children (n = 30;75%) were admitted to the medical facility Conclusions/significanceHump-nosed pit viper bites mostly cause local effects and rarely systemic envenoming in children. Compartment syndrome is common in children following their bites.