Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Envenomation with poisonous snakes, also known as snakebite, occurs when a venomous snake injects venom into a person through its fangs. The present study was conducted to assess use of polyvalent anti-snake venom in patients. Materials & Methods:78 patients of snake biteof both genders were selected. Parameters such as type of snake bite and its severity, details of ASV administration, premedication, occurrence of early adverse reactions to ASV, clinical outcomes etc. were recorded. Results: Out of 78 patients, males were 50 and females were 28. Indication of ASV was neurotoxicity in 28, vasculotoxicity in 15, and neurotoxicity+ vasculotoxicity in 35. Prophylactic premedication was pheniramine+ Hydrocortisone in 46, only hydrocortisone in 20 and not given in 12 cases. Supportive treatment was fresh frozen plasma in 7, packed cell volume in 10 and neostigmine in 13 patients. Mortality was due to neurotoxicity in 7 and vasculotoxicity in 5 cases. Early reactions to ASVwas anaphylaxis in 19, urticaria in 5, hypotension in 11, vomiting in 4 and acute renal failure1 patient. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There are increased death rates from neurotoxic snake bites, a quarter of patients needing a high ASV dose (>30 vials), and an overuse of neostigmine and prophylactic premedication.