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Unusually prolonged neuromuscular weakness caused by krait (Bungarus caeruleus) bite: Two case reports
Ashish Gupta1, Chabungbam Smilie1, Vikram Bhaskar1
1University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.
Summary
Common krait bites in India can cause prolonged paralysis and require extended ventilation. These cases highlight the potential for long-term neuromuscular weakness in children following krait envenomation.
Area of Science:
- Neurotoxicology
- Clinical Neurology
- Pediatric Toxicology
Background:
- Snakebites are a significant health concern in India, with neurotoxic species like the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) posing a serious threat.
- Severe envenomation can lead to descending flaccid paralysis, mimicking brain death or a locked-in state, and ophthalmoplegia.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of common krait bites are presented, exhibiting unusually prolonged periods of flaccid paralysis.
- Both patients required extended mechanical ventilation (10 and 11 days, respectively) followed by non-invasive ventilation.
Findings:
- Delayed recovery and residual neuromuscular weakness were observed in both cases at a 3-month follow-up.
- These findings suggest that common krait bites can result in prolonged neuromuscular weakness in children.
Implications:
- The prolonged paralysis and delayed recovery necessitate careful consideration for both acute and long-term management strategies in pediatric patients.
- This highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and comprehensive rehabilitation for children affected by common krait envenomation.
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