Clinical profile, outcome, and cost of care in snakebite patients requiring admissions in a single medical unit: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center in South India

Background and Aim: Snakebite is an important occupational and rural hazard. It is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. Even though snakebite is an imminently treatable condition, it is a common life-threatening emergency. We aim to study the clinical profile, complications, as length of stay in the hospital, outcome and cost of care in snakebite patients requiring admission under a medicine unit. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted carried out from May 01, 2014, to May 01, 2019. The data were extracted from the inpatient medical records, and it was analyzed. All adult patients requiring admission in medicine unit V with a diagnosis of snake envenomation were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all variables in the study, and appropriate statistical tests were employed to ascertain the significance. Results: The cohort consists of 80 patients with 45 (56.3%) males and aged 40.06 ± 15.24 years (mean, standard deviation [SD]). The majority of the snake species identification was not available 38 (47.5%). Viper bite was the most common bite 32 (40%). The most common clinical presentation was hemotoxic 33 (31.3%) followed by neurotoxic 16 (20%). Sixty-eight (85%) patients were treated outside before presentation. The median antisnake venom (ASV) given was 10 vials, and 12 (15%) patients had allergic reaction to ASV. Sixty-nine (86%) patients had cellulitis and 16 (20%) had acute kidney injury (AKI). Twenty-four (30%) patients required intensive care monitoring, 22 (27.5%) required mechanical ventilation, and 7 (8.8%) required hemodialysis. The mean ± SD duration of hospital stay was 5.56 ± 3.76 days. The median direct cost was Rs. 19,714.5 and cost of medicine was Rs. 10,798. The mortality in this cohort was 4 (5%). Conclusion: Snakebite causes significant morbidity. Viper bite was the most common bite in our study. ASV reaction was seen in 15%, and cellulitis and AKI were the common complications. The median direct cost was Rs. 19,714.5 and cost of medicine was Rs. 10,798. The mortality in this cohort was 4 (5%).