A retrospective study of clinical profile of viper bite cases in selected hospitals in central kerala

Abstract

Viper bite is a commonly occurring  occupational health hazard to people involved mainly in agricultural sector in tropical and sub-tropical areas.    The aim of the study was to assess the clinical pattern of poisonous snakebites from four selected hospitals in central Kerala. Study site: Carithas Hospital (Kottayam), Little Flower Hospital and Research Centre (Angamaly), Paalana Institute of Medical Sciences (Palakkad) and Charis Medical Mission (Muvattupuzha). Percentage of cases collected from Carithas hospital, Little Flower hospital, Paalana hospital and Charis hospital were 51. The various clinical profile was assessed such as Hb level , symptoms, total leukocyte count, platelet count prothrombin time etc. Conclusion: Practice of locally developed treatment protocol for optimised treatment of viper bite is required.