Postmarketing safety and usage study of anti-snake venom in a tertiary hospital in Talegaon, Maharashtra

Abstract

Aim

To study the adverse event profile and usage pattern of Anti Snake Venom

(ASV).

Methods

This prospective observational study included 40 cases of snake bite

admitted from July 2016 to December 2017. Adverse reactions to ASV were

assessed. Clinical response parameters after ASV administration were also

analyzed.

Results

24 cases had hemotoxic, 11 neurotoxic and 5 local envenomation. The mean number of vials used (19.35 +/-

12.89), time to control envenomation (22.4+/- 15.76 hours) and duration of hospital stay (4.9 +/-2.99 days) was

not significantly different for any particular type of envenomation. They also did not vary between types of

envenomation and whether bite to needle time was more or less than 6 hours. 27 adverse events were

recorded in 9 patients. Most of these cases of early reactions were managed with antihistamines and

corticosteroids. One case of possible anaphylaxis required vasopressors.

Conclusions

ASV of Premium Serums was well tolerated, and the number of adverse events were less than those reported

in earlier studies. A mean of 19.35 vials were needed to control envenomation, an acceptable number based

on WHO and National guidelines.