OBJECTIVES

1. To identify the factors influencing the excess Anti snake venom vial usage when compared to the standard poisonous snake bite treatment protocol
2. To calculate the excess cost of Anti snake venom vials that was additionally used to treat the poisonous snake bites

METHODS

A one year retrospective study was conducted in four different hospitals located in 3 different districts of central Kerala, from the year 2017. The medical records were studied by comparing the anti snake venom usage with the standard snake bite treatment protocols proposed by WHO and the ICMR.

RESULTS

In 144 patients treated with anti-snake venom, first dose was given in excess to 26(18%) of the bite victims. It took additional cost of 4759 rupees on a single snake bite victims Second dosing of anti snake venom was required in 79 patients and the reasons for second dosing was identified as practical error ( administration of Anti snake before 6 hrs of first dose) in 44 patients and it took additional cost of 5174 rupees on a single patient. Anti-snake venom was given for poisonous bite from other snakes for which it is not indicated, it cause an excess burden of 3852 rupees. In 5 patients the correct reason for the second dose administration is not identified. 13 patients were treated according to the treatment protocols. Chi square test showed the incidence of error has dependence on types of snakes that bite and shown p value was 0.00042

CONCLUSIONS

Study proves that the irrational use of anti snake venom is causing huge amount of economic burden to the patient as snake bite is considered as an tropical neglected occupational health hazard.