Understanding pediatric snakebites: Clinical and epidemiological insights from a healthcare center in Bihar, India
Rajan Kumar1, Manoj Kumar2, Deepak Kumar1
1Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
Insights
Snakebites pose a significant risk to children in rural India. This study in Bihar found kraits and vipers were common culprits, with most bites occurring on lower limbs during the day.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Snakebites are a prevalent medical emergency and occupational hazard for children in India, particularly in impoverished rural regions.
- Limited epidemiological data exists for snakebites on the Indian subcontinent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of snakebites in children under 15.
- To raise awareness about this public health concern in East India.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital, Bihar.
- Included children under 15 with snakebite envenomation.
- Data analyzed using SPSS version 11.0.
Main Results:
- 59 cases were recorded; 62.7% were male.
- Kraits (38.9%) and vipers (42.3%) were the most common venomous snakes.
- Most bites (84.7%) occurred on lower limbs during the day; 44.7% received traditional treatments.
Conclusions:
- Snakebites represent a major public health issue in Bihar, predominantly affecting rural populations.
- Increased awareness, preparedness, and timely hospital transfer are crucial, especially during monsoon season.
- Public health initiatives should promote early intervention and prevention strategies.
Background:
Snakebites are a common medical emergency and occupational hazard for children in India, particularly in rural areas where poverty is prevalent. However, there is limited data on the epidemiology of snakebites on the Indian subcontinent.
Objective:
This cross-sectional, observational study aims to investigate the epidemiology, major clinical manifestations, and outcomes of snakebites in children under the age of 15 who were admitted to a tertiary care center in Bihar, a state in East India, and draw attention to this public health concern.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. The study included all cases of snakebites with features of envenomation involving patients less than 15 years of age who were brought to the department over a 2-year period. Data were collected using a data collection form and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 11.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
Results:
A total of 59 cases were recorded, with 62.71% (n = 37) being male and 37.28% (n = 22) being female. Kraits were responsible for 38.9% (n = 23) of cases, vipers for 42.3% (n = 25), and cobras for 5% (n = 3). Fang marks were present in 67.7% (n = 40) of cases, and the majority of bites (84.7%, n = 50) occurred on a lower limb during the day. The age distribution showed that 16.9% (n = 10) were below 5 years old, 44% (n = 26) were between 5 and 10 years old, and 22% (n = 13) were above 10 years old. Traditional treatment was used in 44.7% (n = 22) of cases, with the most common treatments being local incision + tourniquet (22%, n = 13) and no traditional treatment (55.9%, n = 33). The highest number of cases occurred during July-September (35.5%, n = 21).
Conclusion:
Snakebites are a significant public health issue in Bihar, India, with the majority of cases occurring in rural areas. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and preparedness among healthcare providers and the general public, particularly during the monsoon season. Early hospital transfer, prehospital management, and prevention should be promoted through regular public health initiatives.
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