Publication:

Characteristics of snake envenomation in eastern India, a study of epidemiology, complications and interventions

Background Snake bite is an important public health problem in the tropics. The annual mortality rate in India is 15000-20000 due to snake envenomation. This study intended to analyze the characteristics of snake envenomation in detail in current time.

Methods Total 122 cases of snake bite with features of envenomation who were admitted in our hospital in last 2 years were evaluated with detailed analysis.

Results Significant association (p<0.05) (p=0.0029 at the degree of freedom 1) was found between time of AVS administration and development of ARF and/or RP. Patients receiving AVS at or after 6 hours were more likely to develop acute renal failure (ARF) and respiratory paralysis (RP) compared to patients receiving AVS before 6 hours.

Conclusions Timely detection and early intervention by AVS can prevent dangerous complications and mortality of snake bites.