Background: Snake bite is the most neglected disease and causes significant mortality in both adults and children. Studies on pediatric snake bite are limited. Timely administration of anti-snake venom can prevent morbidity and mortality due to snake bite. Our study emphasizes the importance of timely ASV administration and the need for improving primary and secondary health care centers in providing ASV.  

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the demographic pattern, clinical features and outcome of snake bitten children presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Southern India.

Study design: A hospital record based retrospective descriptive study.

Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Southern India.

Materials and Methods: Seventy children admitted with snake bite from January 2016 to December 2016 were studied. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS) software Version 21.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

Results: There were 70 children enrolled in the study. Out of this 43 were males, 27 were females. Most bites occurred after 6 pm. Lower limb is the most commonly bitten site. 33 children had toxic features and required anti-snake venom for treatment. Hemotoxicity is more common than neurotoxicity. 12.1% developed allergic reaction to ASV. Death occurred in 6 patients. Neuroparalysis is the most important factor contributing to mortality.

Conclusion: Awareness must be created among public on early approach to health care after snake bite. Strengthening primary and secondary health care centers to manage snake bite cases is the need of the hour.

Keywords: Snake bite, anti- snake venom, toxicity, neuroparalysis, hemotoxicity, outcome.

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Dr R. Sripriya M.D.

Assistant Professor of Paediatrics, Govt. Vellore Medical College, Vellore

Ph: 9442533773, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.