Original Research Article http://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijpca.2019.002 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, January-March, 2019;6(1):6-9 6 Clinico-Epidemiological characteristics of snakebite patients admitted in rural tertiary care unit of Maharashtra Rahul Hotwani 1 , Singla Bhavika 2* , Akshaya N Shetti 3 1 Student, 2 Assistant Professor, 3 Professor, 2,3 Dept, of Anesthesiology, Rural Medical College, PIMS, Loni Bk, Maharashtra, India *Corresponding Author: Singla Bhavika Email: bhavikasingla201@gmail.com Abstract Introduction: In India agriculture is the primary occupation of the people. With most of the population working in the fields, snakebite becomes a chief occupational hazard and a medical emergency. In India, more than 20,00,000 snake bites reported annually, of which 35,000-50,000 people die and Maharashtra alone contributes more than 2000 deaths each year. Thus this study is aimed to know the clinic- epidemiological pattern of snake bite in rural Maharashtra. Aims and Objectives: To study clinical and epidemiological characteristics found in patients presenting with snakebite in rural tertiary care unit. Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study Material and Methods: The study was conducted between 25/05/2017 to 10/09/2017 after obtaining institutional ethical clearance. A total of 70 patients were participated in study. Set questions were asked to the patient to know the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of snake bite. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed and expressed in terms of percentage. Results: Patients with various age groups got admitted during the study period. Maximum number of (38) patients are in 21 to 40 yrs. Majority of patients were females were 36(51.4 %). Majority of patients (31) were farmer. Most of the patients were working in the farm 47(67.1%) while they had bite. Maximum bites are seen in patients right lower limb 22(31.2%). The most common vehicle used was two- wheeler 38(54.2%). Out of 70 patients admitted in hospital, 36(51.4) patients suffered with vasculotoxicity. 14(20%) patients brought snakes after killing to the hospital for identification. 22(31.4%) patients out of 70 took primary treatment in primary health care center. Out of 27 patients 5 patients required ventilator support who suffered with neurotoxic type of snake bite. We observed no mortality among 70 patients admitted with snake bite. Conclusion: Regular public health programs educating about prevention, pre–hospital management, early and safe transfer of the victim to the hospital should be done. Keywords: Anti-Snake venom, Envenomation, Epidemiology, Snake-bite. Introduction In India agriculture is the primary occupation of the people. With most of the population working in the fields, snakebite becomes a chief occupational hazard and a medical emergency. In India, more than 20,00,000 snake bites reported annually, of which 35,000-50,000 people die and Maharashtra alone contributes more than 2000 deaths each year. 1 The most common snakes found in India are spectacled cobra, common krait, saw-scaled viper and russell’s viper. 2 The most common snake amongst these is common krait. 3 Venomous snakebites require immediate attention to prevent complications. However, this is made difficult by several factors like failure to identify correctly the snake in question, lack of healthcare centers equipped to handle snakebites, absence of first aid materials, and delayed hospitalisation due to poor transportation facility in rural India. Furthermore the prognosis is worsened by the fact that most victims try a plethora of bizarre or home remedies, approaching a healthcare center only when the symptoms grow worse. The gold standard treatment for snake envenomation is the use of specific anti-snake venom (ASV) and studies have conclusively shown that fatality rates can be high where patients do not have rapid access to them. 4-6 However, it should be noted that ASV is highly specific for each snake (in case of monovalent) and this is something to be kept in mind while administering it. It may however be polyvalent and hence be useful for more than one species. But even then it’s limited to a few species. Moreover it may cause some reactions. A literature search showed that there are very few studies that encompass all the details right from the bite to the treatment and recovery of the victim. This study aims to do exactly that and suggests certain measures that shall further improve management of snakebites in rural part of Maharashtra. Aims and Objectives To study clinical and epidemiological characteristics found in patients presenting with snakebite in rural tertiary care unit. Material and Methods After approval by institutional ethics committee and written informed consent obtained from all patients (if conscious and able to answer the questions) or the relatives (If patient is unconscious). Inclusion Criteria Patients with age group above 12 years, either sex