Authors
Mohd Haneef, MD (Med), PGDHS (Diab), Department of Internal Medicine, Koyili Hospital, Kannur, Kerala
Abstract
Ophitoxaemia is an exotic term that describes the clinical spectrum of snake bite envenomation. Of the 3000 species of snakes distributed world- wide, about 500 are venomous. Snake bite remains a major public health problem in many developing countries even though it is difficult to estimate the actual number of cases due to poor reporting system.
Aim: To find out the profile of venomous snake bites admitted to a North Kerala hospital from April 2002 to June 2007.
Study design: Retrospective descriptive study of all cases during the study period.
Conclusion: Most cases of venomous snake bites can successfully be managed at secondary care level with rationale use of anti snake venom.
Keywords: Snake Bite, Envenomation, Snake Profile.