Background: A significant environmental and occupational hazard commonly seen in tropical countries is snakebite. Snakebite is treated with anti-snake venom administration, supportive care, and wound care. To reduce snakebite-associated mortality and morbidity, time is a vital factor.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the bite time to needle time and its correlation with mortality and morbidity in subjects with a snake bite.
Methods: In 200 subjects detailed history was recorded including the symptoms of snakebite presentation, snake species, site of the bite, and time since snakebite along with bleeding manifestations, oliguria, respiratory failure, ptosis, cellulitis, and consciousness level. Bite-to-needle time was also noted. In all subjects, polyvalent anti-snake venom was administered. Associated mortality, complications, and hospitalization duration were also noted.
Results: Most common snake species involved was Krait and the lower limb was the most commonly involved site. ASV was given in 6 hours in 72 subjects and 6-12 hours in 30% of the subjects. Lesser duration of hospitalization and lesser complications were seen in subjects with a bite-to-needle time of 24 hours, more death, hospitalization duration, and complications were seen along with more ASV vial use.
Conclusion: Increased systemic envenomation is associated with increased bite-to-needle time further increasing the mortality risk, mortality, and complications severity. In snakebite subjects, the value of ASV administration and the necessity of timings must be emphasized.
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