Clinico-Epidemiological Profile, Trends, and Health-Related Outcomes of Snakebite Victims: A One-Year Prospective Study from Eastern India.

Snakebite envenomation is a significant life-threatening public health problem in Southeast Asia (SEA). In this region, India reported the largest number of snakebite deaths from 2000 to 2019 (1.2 million), with an average of 58,000 deaths yearly. This prospective observational study was carried out among snakebite victims at the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care public sector hospital in eastern India. A total of 145 cases of venomous snakebite were investigated. More than half ( Snakebite is considered an occupational hazard in India, commonly affecting the young population in their productive period. The peak incidence was during monsoon season, and the majority had neurotoxic envenomation following an elapid bite (55%) that contributed to the increased mortality and morbidity among young adults. Of the 145 patients, the majority (84%) recovered fully with treatment; 16% of the victims developed morbidity viz cellulitis, respiratory failure, acute renal failure, compartment syndrome, local tissue necrosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Appropriate first aid measures and timely medical intervention can significantly improve the treatment outcome following snakebites.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.