Epidemiological profile of snake bite at a Tertiary Care Hospital Bengaluru, India

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the sociodemographic profile and the management of snake bite cases admitted at the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital and Research Center, Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective descriptive study was carried out from medical records held at the KIMS Hospital and Research Center, Bengaluru. Results: Study subjects comprised a total of 93 cases (66 males and 27 females), between the ages of 1.6 years and 72 years. The majority (24.7%) of cases were found between the ages of 19 and 30 years. During the management of snake bite, 74.1% (69) of the subjects received anti-snake venom (ASV) and adjuvant therapy. About 87 of the cases were either relieved or cured, and there were six fatalities. Conclusion: Snake bite was seen more among adults, male agricultural laborers and farmers, with a peak occurrence during rainy seasons. Knowledge of the varied clinical manifestations of snake bite is important for effective management in hospitals by a complete health care team. The ready availability and appropriate use of ASV, close monitoring of patients, the initiation of ventilator support and if required, early referral to a larger hospital all help to reduce mortality.

Keywords

• Epidemiology
• management
• snake bite
• tertiary care