A prospective study assessing cardiovascular manifestations after snake bite at a tertiary care center

 

Madhusudan C¹, K V Giriraja^2*

 

 

Abstract              Background: Snake bite is an occupational hazard especially of agricultural workers. Through snake bite venom, a complex mixture of various enzymes, polypeptides and toxins are injected into body of the victim. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect on cardiac profile in patients with snake envenomation and its cardiac complications. Material and Methods: 50 snake bite patients presenting in emergency department over a period of one year were evaluated for cardiac profile, ECG and enzyme estimation were done. Results: In the present study 72% of cases were in 3rd and 4th decade of life. Male patients were 62% formed majority. Cardiac manifestations were seen in 34% of cases in the form of ECG changes and elevated cardiac enzymes. Sinus tachycardia (40%) was most common cardiac manifestation. Conclusions: Cardiovascular system involvement following snake bite was seen in this study, it is recommended to record ECG and estimate cardiac enzymes as soon as possible for detecting cardiotoxic effects of snake bite.

Key Words: Cardiotoxicity, snake envenomation, Sinus Tachycardia.