Chandrashekar C, Mohammed Abraz Shariff, Gopal K, Ravichander B
A retrospective study of 37 cases of snakebites admitted in the pediatrics wards, MVJ Medical College from January 2012 to December 2014 was done. A detailed history, a methodological clinical profile, established treatment and follow-up in the hospital was done for all the cases and recorded. There was definite male preponderance and all the patients were from rural background. Most of the bites occurred while playing or working away from home during evening times. Most of the patients did not receive first aid after the snakebite. This shows lack of awareness of the first aid in the management of the snakebites in rural population. Most of the patients were admitted within 2 hours of the bite. Pain and swelling were the most common clinical manifestations. Other local manifestations included cellulitis and local necrosis. The neurological manifestations that were seen are ptosis and drowsiness followed by respiratory paralysis in few cases. In present study there were no cases of hypovolemic shock, intracerebral hemorrhage or DIC. All patients with signs of envenomation were given ASV according to the grading and progression of symptoms and signs. Mild early reactions were noticed in few cases, but in none of the cases there was severe reaction. Supportive treatment like IV fluids, tetanus toxoid, antibiotic coverage and anti-inflammatory drugs were given in all patients. Fasciotomy was the most common surgical intervention required. The mean duration of hospital stay in the present study was 6 days. There was no mortality in the present study.
