Snake envenomation in children: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Background: Snakebite in children is a medical emergency of significant public health concern. Owing to physiological differences, the potential of snake venom causing tissue damage and long-term sequelae is more pronounced in paediatric age group. We aimed to determine the clinical profile and outcome in children suffering with snake envenomation.

Methods: The retrospective observational study reviewed the clinical case records of children aged 0–18 years, admitted with features of snake envenomation from January 2021 to December 2022 Demographic profile, clinical features, treatment and outcome were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Eleven children with snakebite were admitted during the study period. The mean age of study population was 11.63 (±3.9) years. Nine children (81.8%) were residing in rural area, majority (72.7%) of the children experienced the snakebite between May and August. Extremities were the most commonly affected site as seen in seven (63.6%) children. Pain and swelling at the bite site were the commonest symptoms seen in nine (81.8%) children, neurotoxic features were evident in seven (54.5%) cases, while four (36.3%) cases manifested vasculotoxic features. Invasive ventilatory support was required in four (36.3%) cases and all such children were extubated with successful outcome. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was administered in all 11 children and no adverse reactions were observed. No mortality was reported during the study.

Conclusion: Envenomation toxidrome depends on the prevalent snake species inhabiting the various geographic regions within the same country.