Frequency, Presentation, Management and Outcome of Snake Bite in Children at DGKMC & Hospital, D.G Khan.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency, common presentation, anti-snake venom (ASV) related management and outcome of snake bite cases in admitted children at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Case-series study. Setting: Department of Pediatric, Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College (DGKMC) & Hospital. Period: 1st March 2021 to 31st August 2021. Material & Methods: During the study period, all children presenting with snake bite were included. All cases were observed for their presentation, classified according to signs and symptoms, and managed through ASV as needed. Results: During the study period, a total of 52 patients of snake bite admitted in paediatric medical ward of DGKMC & Hospital. There were 37 (71.2%) male and 15 (28.8%) female. Overall, mean age of the children was 6.1±3.1 years. Maximum number of snake bite cases were reported during May, June and July as 15 (28.8%), 13 (25.0%) and 8 (15.4%) respectively. In the presentation, 29 (55.8%) patients presented with local symptoms only while remaining 23 (44.2%) presented with local as well as systemic symptoms. In the management, 3 (5.8%) cases did not require any ASV vial, 35 (67.3%) needed initial doses only. Fourteen (26.9%) cases required initial as well as maintenance doses. In terms of outcome, 49 (94.2%) children were discharged successfully, 1 (1.9%) expired and 2 (3.8%) got left against medical advice (LAMA). Conclusion: Snake bite was a common pediatric medical emergency at our institute. Most children presented with hemotoxic symptoms and needed ASV for resolution of symptoms. Prognosis is good with timely and judicious management of snake bite.