Postmarketing safety and usage study of anti-snake venom in a tertiary hospital in Talegaon, Maharashtra

Abstract

Aim To study the adverse event profile and usage pattern of Anti Snake Venom (ASV). Methods This prospective observational study included 40 cases of snake bite admitted from July 2016 to December 2017. Adverse reactions to ASV were assessed. Clinical response parameters after ASV administration were also analyzed. Results 24 cases had hemotoxic, 11 neurotoxic and 5 local envenomation. The mean number of vials used (19.35 +/- 12.89), time to control envenomation (22.4+/- 15.76 hours) and duration of hospital stay (4.9 +/-2.99 days) was not significantly different for any particular type of envenomation. They also did not vary between types of envenomation and whether bite to needle time was more or less than 6 hours. 27 adverse events were recorded in 9 patients. Most of these cases of early reactions were managed with antihistamines and corticosteroids. One case of possible anaphylaxis required vasopressors. Conclusions ASV of Premium Serums was well tolerated, and the number of adverse events were less than those reported in earlier studies. A mean of 19.35 vials were needed to control envenomation, an acceptable number based on WHO and National guidelines.

Keywords

• Anti-Snake Venom Serum, Pharmacovigilance, Envenomation, Hemotoxic, Neurotoxic, Local