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Snake bite in Kelantanese children: a five year experience
K K Tan1, K E Choo, W A Ariffin
1Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Medical Sciences, Kelantan.
Summary
Snake bites in Malaysian children, primarily elapid, caused mild symptoms like pain and swelling. While antivenom was used with few reactions, some children needed respiratory support, and sadly, two fatalities occurred.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Herpetology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Snakebites are a significant health concern in tropical regions, particularly affecting children.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of snakebites in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
- Data on snakebite characteristics in Malaysia, especially concerning elapid and viper envenomation in children, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical features and outcomes of snakebite incidents in children admitted to hospitals in Kota Bharu and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
- To identify the common types of venomous snakes responsible for pediatric snakebites.
- To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of antivenom therapy in pediatric snakebite cases.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records for 83 children aged 16 months to 12 years with snakebites over a 5-year period.
- Data collection included snake type, clinical symptoms, antivenom administration, adverse reactions, and patient outcomes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine the frequency of different snake types and clinical presentations.
Main Results:
- Elapid snakebites were more prevalent than viper bites; sea-snake bites were not reported.
- The most common clinical manifestations were localized pain and swelling.
- Antivenom was administered to 11 children, with only three experiencing minor adverse reactions. Four children required ventilatory support for respiratory failure, and two fatalities were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Elapid snakebites are a notable cause of pediatric morbidity in the studied Malaysian population, typically presenting with localized symptoms.
- Antivenom therapy appears safe and effective in this pediatric cohort, with a low incidence of adverse reactions.
- Despite generally mild presentations, severe outcomes including respiratory failure and mortality can occur, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention and appropriate management strategies for pediatric snakebites.