The Neglected Tropical Disease Envenoming the Society in Telangana

Abstract

Makani Tanuja1 , Thrilok Chander Bingi2 , Rarajao Mesipogu3

BACKGROUND Snakebite remains an underestimated cause of accidental death in modern India. Snakebite is an occupational, environmental and domestic health hazard with a significant economic fallout on the individual and the family. We wanted to study the epidemiology and clinical profile of snake envenomation in a tertiary hospital in Telangana. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of all snakebite cases admitted to the acute medical care ward from January 2016 to December 2017. RESULTS Of a total of 252 cases of snakebite, 84 patients presented with neuroparalytic symptoms, 71 with haemostatic abnormalities and 14 presented with mixed symptomology. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Highest mortality was 28.57% observed in patients who reported after 20 hours, 6 patients out of 27 died. Respiratory failure was observed in sixty percent cases and 16 percent cases developed renal failure. The average dose of antivenom was 21.2 vials for neurotoxic bites and 19.3 vials for haemotoxic bites. Overall mortality rate was 9.9%. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to educate the public about the prevention of snakebites, early hospital referral and early treatment is the need of hour. The currently recommended first-aid may be remembered by the mnemonic “CARRY NO R.I.G.H.T.” also might pay substantial dividends.

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