Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to management of snake-bites at a public health facility in Kenya
Abstract
Snakebites are a neglected medical problem worldwide; nevertheless they cause
considerable suffering to people especially in less privileged areas resulting in significant
morbidity and mortality with a considerable number of victims becoming maimed for
life. Guidelines for the management of snakebites are not widely available and this gives
health care givers little confidence in their diagnosis and management. The purpose of
this study was to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic approach used in the
management of snakebites in a peripheral health facility in Kenya. The study was
descriptive, retrospective and cross sectional in design. It was carried out by collecting
data from patient files at the records department in Ishiara Sub District Hospital. For all
cases of snakebites from January 2003 to June 2009, the data were collected using a tool
and comparative analysis done. The study showed that the syndromic approach can be
used to determine signs of envenomation and guide in determining sequelae. There were
no criteria for the use of Anti Snake Venom and other medications, both envenomed and
non envenomed patients were managed in the same way; This led to irrational use of
drugs. Adverse reactions to Anti Snake Venom occurred in 3.8% of the population and
only envenomed patients developed the reaction. Where Anti Snake Venom was
available, it was dosed inappropriately and where it was not available, there was
significant morbidity and mortality.
Sponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi