Clinical and demographic profiling of snakebite envenomation in a tertiary care centre in northern India
Dublin Core
Title
Clinical and demographic profiling of snakebite envenomation in a tertiary care centre in northern India
Subject
Snake bite, Hemotoxic, Neurotoxic, ASV, Plasmapheresis, HBOT
Description
Abstract
Background Snake bites are a major cause of emergency visits in tropical countries like India, with actual mortality
and morbidity likely higher due to underreporting. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and demographic
profiles of snake bites at the Department of Emergency Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh, over two years (July 2021 to July
2023).
Methods Patients aged over 18 with witnessed or suspected snake bites were included. Data on demographics,
clinical history, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes were collected.
Results Most patients were male (68.3%) and aged 31–50 years (35.6%). Farmers made up 57.4% of the cohort.
Bites occurred mostly in the evening (46.5%) and during the monsoon (71.3%). Symptoms varied: 48.5% were
asymptomatic, 31.7% had hemotoxic symptoms, and 15.8% experienced neurotoxic symptoms, including ptosis.
Hemotoxic bites frequently involved bleeding at the bite site (93.8%) and gum bleeding (46.9%). Local complications
were noted in 7.9% of cases. Neuroparalytic bites required ventilatory support in 62.5%. Blood products were
administered to 31% of patients with hemotoxic bites, hemodialysis to 19%, and plasmapheresis and hyperbaric
oxygen therapy to 6.3%. Out of the 69 symptomatic patients (68.3%) who received anti-snake venom (ASV), 28
(40.6%) patients developed adverse reactions.
Conclusion This study provides a detailed analysis of suspected snakebites in Uttarakhand and surrounding areas,
highlighting the importance of early recognition, prompt treatment, and timely referral to prevent fatalities. The
administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) is identified as the most critical intervention, though lack of awareness in
rural areas complicates management. The study calls for targeted public health campaigns to educate communities
about early snakebite recognition and the role of ASV. It also stresses the need for region-specific protocols
and improved healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of referral systems for advanced interventions
like hemodialysis and intubation. Overall, the study advocates for enhanced public awareness and healthcare
infrastructure to reduce snakebite incidence and mortality in rural populations.
Keywords Snake bite, Hemotoxic, Neurotoxic, ASV, Plasmapheresis, HBOT
Background Snake bites are a major cause of emergency visits in tropical countries like India, with actual mortality
and morbidity likely higher due to underreporting. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and demographic
profiles of snake bites at the Department of Emergency Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh, over two years (July 2021 to July
2023).
Methods Patients aged over 18 with witnessed or suspected snake bites were included. Data on demographics,
clinical history, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes were collected.
Results Most patients were male (68.3%) and aged 31–50 years (35.6%). Farmers made up 57.4% of the cohort.
Bites occurred mostly in the evening (46.5%) and during the monsoon (71.3%). Symptoms varied: 48.5% were
asymptomatic, 31.7% had hemotoxic symptoms, and 15.8% experienced neurotoxic symptoms, including ptosis.
Hemotoxic bites frequently involved bleeding at the bite site (93.8%) and gum bleeding (46.9%). Local complications
were noted in 7.9% of cases. Neuroparalytic bites required ventilatory support in 62.5%. Blood products were
administered to 31% of patients with hemotoxic bites, hemodialysis to 19%, and plasmapheresis and hyperbaric
oxygen therapy to 6.3%. Out of the 69 symptomatic patients (68.3%) who received anti-snake venom (ASV), 28
(40.6%) patients developed adverse reactions.
Conclusion This study provides a detailed analysis of suspected snakebites in Uttarakhand and surrounding areas,
highlighting the importance of early recognition, prompt treatment, and timely referral to prevent fatalities. The
administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) is identified as the most critical intervention, though lack of awareness in
rural areas complicates management. The study calls for targeted public health campaigns to educate communities
about early snakebite recognition and the role of ASV. It also stresses the need for region-specific protocols
and improved healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of referral systems for advanced interventions
like hemodialysis and intubation. Overall, the study advocates for enhanced public awareness and healthcare
infrastructure to reduce snakebite incidence and mortality in rural populations.
Keywords Snake bite, Hemotoxic, Neurotoxic, ASV, Plasmapheresis, HBOT
Creator
Parvathy Sasidharan1
, Nidhi Kaeley1*, Prakash Mahala1
, Jewel Rani Jose1
, Takshak Shankar1
, Silpa Santhalingan2
,
Ankit Sharma1
, Balwant Kumar1
, Mallapu Ajay Kumar1
and Minakshi Dhar1
, Nidhi Kaeley1*, Prakash Mahala1
, Jewel Rani Jose1
, Takshak Shankar1
, Silpa Santhalingan2
,
Ankit Sharma1
, Balwant Kumar1
, Mallapu Ajay Kumar1
and Minakshi Dhar1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00796-x
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Parvathy Sasidharan1
, Nidhi Kaeley1*, Prakash Mahala1
, Jewel Rani Jose1
, Takshak Shankar1
, Silpa Santhalingan2
,
Ankit Sharma1
, Balwant Kumar1
, Mallapu Ajay Kumar1
and Minakshi Dhar1, “Clinical and demographic profiling of snakebite envenomation in a tertiary care centre in northern India,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12607.