Incidence and treatment of snakebites in West Bengal, India

Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and disability in the developing countries. In India and neighboring countries, the four venomous snakes of concern include - Indian cobra(Naja naja), Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus); Russell's Viper (Daboia russelli); Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus). We describe the management protocol for snakebite treatment in a tertiary care hospital of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal based on case reports of subjects admitted and treated in Ghatal Subdivisional Hospital(GSH) during 2013-2016.

We developed a structured data collection form to record demographic and clinical details of patients hospitalized at GSH between 1 January 2013 through 31 December 2016.

Snake bite cases in Ghatal Subdivisional hospital(GSH) were assessed during the period 2013-2016. A total 18 deaths due to snakebite has been reported from this tertiary care hospital during the period. Total patients admitted in this hospital with snakebite is 1160 during the period 2013-2016. In 80% of the cases the lower extremities were affected. Preliminary first aid was provided in 45% cases. About 65% of the affected victims suffered snakebite in the morning hours. Some of the recommended drugs that were prescribed by the physicians of GSH were neostigmine, atropine, adrenaline, hydrocortisone, Amoxicillin. WBCT₂₀ and Urea, Creatinine level were routinely performed.

Hospital studies are a key source of information about snake bites. The ready availability and appropriate use of AVS, close monitoring of patients, the institution of ventilator support and if required, early referral to a larger hospital all help to reduce the mortality. Thus knowledge of the varied clinical manifestations of snake bite is important for effective management in hospitals by a complete health care team.