Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics and Outcomes Of Snakebite in Pediatric Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Snakebite is a neglected public health problem in Bangladesh having one of the highest incidence in the world. Demography, epidemiology, clinical features, treatment seeking behavior and outcome of snake bite were well studied in adult population of Bangladesh but none of the studies were solely done in pediatric patients. This study aimed to investigate the demographics, clinical characteristics, pre-hospital management and outcomes of envenomed children in a tertiary-level hospital in Bangladesh.  

Materials and methods:  This prospective observational  study was conducted in the Snakebite Clinic of Chittagong  Medical College Hospital (CMCH) from April 2022 to March 2023. The facility admitted 1055 patients, including 128 (12.13%) snakebitten children under 18. A standardized questionnaire was used covering demographics, snake bite details, pre-hospital care and clinical outcomes. Admitted individuals were monitored daily.   

Results: The 128 snake bite victims were 98 (76.7%) males and 30 (23.4%) females. Nearly half (46.9%) of snake bites happened in 13–18-year-olds. 71% of bites occurred in May–October, with 81% in the afternoon or evening. 17 (13.3%) of 128 patients sought pre-hospital treatment, most from indigenous healers called "Ohzas" (76.5%). No patients were immobilized after ligation (92.2%). Hospitalized patients (77.3%) had non-poisonous snake bites. Snakebites caused local envenomation (21.1%) neurotoxic symptoms (1.6%) abnormal coagulation (2.3%) and one patient aided artificial breathing. Unfortunately, one child died due to a snake bite.

Conclusion: Safe and effective antivenom, supportive treatment and skilled local health professionals can prevent snakebite deaths and severe health issues. However, snakebite envenoming affects rural low-income communities disproportionately, making treatment challenging. To address this, the community needs prehospital first-aid and traditional medicine risk education.  

JCMCTA 2026 ; 37 (1) : 123-131