Case Report: Management of Respiratory Failure Following Snake Bite

Venomous snakebite cases are life-threatening medical emergencies. Most deaths were caused by respiratory failure due to acute neuro-muscular paralysis. In this case, a man, 17 years old, was treated for snakebite on his upper arm one-hour prior hospital admission. Snakes was identified as cobras. Patient experienced symptoms of vomiting, seizures, headaches, weakness in the extremities and decreased consciousness. Local examination revealed two deep teeth marks. No hemorrhagic and myotonic manifestations were found. He then experienced respiratory failure, intubated and treated in the intensive care unit. Management of respiratory failure due to neuro-toxic snake bites, namely administration of snake antivenom to bind poison, anti-cholinesterase and atrophine sulfate to release toxins from neuro-muscular. Supportive therapy included ventilators, fluids, nutrition, tetanus toxoid, antibiotics. Fasciotomy was done on the bite wound because compartment syndrome was found. This patient did not show other abnormal manifestations because patient was promptly taken to the hospital. On day 3 hospital stay, he showed improvement, on day 6, he was moved to the ward. To achieve optimal results in cases of venomous snake bites, early diagnosis, early transportation to hospital and adequate management of snakebite were needed.