European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: This study was conducted to study the clinical profile of acute kidney injury in haematotoxic snake bites. Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study conducted among 120 patients who were admitted in ward and ICU with haematotoxic snake bites in the Departments of General Medicine in Government Medical College, Trivandrum, over a period of one year after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants. Results: The mean age group was 49.8+/-17.8. Among them, 76.7% showed local reactions, and 23.3% showed systemic manifestations. 35.8% developed AKI and 16.7% needed haemodialysis. Associated neurological manifestations were seen in 2.5%. 42.5% developed sepsis, 9.2% developed DIC, and 14.2% developed a capillary leak. 33.3% had cellulitis of which 3.3% developed functional disabilities. 8.3% required ventilatory support and 4.2% succumbed to death. Conclusion: A cascade of events tends to occur in severe haematotoxic envenomation such as bleeding disorders, hypotension or circulatory shock, intravascular haemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Early hospitalization, quick anti-snake venom administration and adequate supporting care provided promising results.