Background: Snake bite is a neglected public health problem in the tropical countries, particularly in rural areas. Snake bite is more common in children and young adults. This study intends to bring out the burden of the issue in rural children of South India.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) To study the epidemiological profile, the clinical profile, complications, and outcome of pediatric snake bite cases and (2) to study the incidence, predictors, and outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI).
Materials and Methods: A prospective and observational study carried out for 1½ years among 0–12-year-old snake bite children. The epidemiological details, details related to snake bite event, pre hospital events, clinical and laboratory parameters on admission, outcome, complications, incidence of AKI, and their possible predictive factors among the snake bite children are analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM, USA) version 20.
Results: Male children above 5 years of age in rural areas during outdoor activities are more commonly affected during the monsoon period and during night hours. Hemotoxic snake bites are more common. Incidence of AKI following snake bite is 10%. Possible predictive factors are long bite to admission interval, tender lymph nodes, anemia, increased total count, elevated serum bilirubin on admission, and increased requirement of Anti Snake Venom.
Conclusion: This study proves the burden of snake bite among rural children and their morbidity and mortality following snake bite-induced AKI. A high index of suspicion should be kept in mind based on possible predictive factors for development of AKI in snake bite children.
Key words: Snake Bite; Acute Kidney Injury; India; Pediatric Age; Viper Venom
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