Dataset Information

Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging for differentiating venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Local envenomation following snakebites is accompanied by thermal changes, which could be visualized using infrared imaging. We explored whether infrared thermal imaging could be used to differentiate venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult patients with a history of snakebite in the past 24 hours presenting to the emergency of a teaching hospital in southern India. A standardized clinical evaluation for symptoms and signs of envenomation including 20-minute whole-blood clotting test and prothrombin time was performed to assess envenomation status. Infrared thermal imaging was done at enrolment, 6 hours, and 24 hours later using a smartphone-based device under ambient conditions. Processed infrared thermal images were independently interpreted twice by a reference rater and once by three novice raters.

Findings

We studied 89 patients; 60 (67%) of them were male. Median (IQR) time from bite to enrolment was 11 (6.5-15) hours; 21 (24%) patients were enrolled within 6 hours of snakebite. In all, 48 patients had local envenomation with/without systemic envenomation, and 35 patients were classified as non-venomous/dry bites. Envenomation status was unclear in six patients. At enrolment, area of increased temperature around the bite site (Hot spot) was evident on infrared thermal imaging in 45 of the 48 patients with envenomation, while hot spot was evident in only 6 of the 35 patients without envenomation. Presence of hot spot on baseline infrared thermal images had a sensitivity of 93.7% (95% CI 82.8% to 98.7%) and a specificity of 82.9% (66.3% to 93.4%) to differentiate envenomed patients from those without envenomation. Interrater agreement for identifying hot spots was more than substantial (Kappa statistic >0.85), and intrarater agreement was almost perfect (Kappa = 0.93). Paradoxical thermal changes were observed in 14 patients.

Conclusions

Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging could be useful in the early identification of non-venomous and dry snakebites.

SUBMITTER: Sabitha P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7924804 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging for differentiating venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

Sabitha Paramasivam P Bammigatti Chanaveerappa C Deepanjali Surendran S Suryanarayana Bettadpura Shamanna BS Kadhiravan Tamilarasu T

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20210218 2

<h4>Background</h4>Local envenomation following snakebites is accompanied by thermal changes, which could be visualized using infrared imaging. We explored whether infrared thermal imaging could be used to differentiate venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.<h4>Methods</h4>We prospectively enrolled adult patients with a history of snakebite in the past 24 hours presenting to the emergency of a teaching hospital in southern India. A standardized clinical evaluation for symptoms and ...[more]

PMID: 33600429

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Project description:The lack of public awareness surrounding the dangers of snakebite envenomation (SBE) is one of the most critical factors contributing to SBE-induced complications, and subsequently exacerbating the number of deaths and disabilities resulting from SBE. In this study, we deployed a multifaceted community education programme to educate students, healthcare professionals and members of the public in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India about the dangers of SBE, appropriate first aid measures and the 'do's and don'ts' following a snakebite. An assessment of prior knowledge within these communities identified several misconceptions concerning snakes and SBE. Using a combination of direct engagement (estimated to reach over 200,000 people), information leaflets (200,000 distributed), posters, video documentaries, media and social media (>2.8 million engagements), over the course of one year (January to December 2019) we reached over 3 million people in rural Tamil Nadu (around 8% of population). Evaluation of community-based assemblies indicated that at least 90% of attendees were able to recall the key messages at the end of the events, and at least 85% were able to recall the key messages even after 12 months. Due to high demand, a one-day symposium was organised to provide clinical knowledge and training on SBE to 250 healthcare professionals in rural Tamil Nadu. Notably, an assessment of patient data (291 victims) collected from a snakebite referral hospital over the same 12-month period (2019) indicated that arrival time at hospital following a snakebite was significantly faster and the effective first aid measures were administered to patients who were aware of our activities compared to those that were not. Overall, our approach provides a framework on how to educate rural communities about the dangers of SBE and thereby, mitigate delayed SBE treatment leading to an overall reduction in SBE-induced mortality, morbidity, treatment costs and other socio-economic ramifications.

Project description:BackgroundSnakebites are a dangerous and significant medical emergency that occurs worldwide. The World Health Organization has recommended that teaching and training in the prevention and management of snakebites be included in the curriculum of nursing schools and other educational activities. Identification of venomous snakes and first aid would be more critical in the prevention of occupational danger worldwide. This study aims to assess the knowledge in identifying venomous snakes, snakebites, and first aid methods of snakebites among nursing students in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed among 425 nursing students who were studying in different educational settings: undergraduates at the University of Ruhuna, and nursing students in the three schools of nursing in Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. Data were gathered by incorporating a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire after obtaining institutional permission. The total score of whole knowledge ranged from 0 to 34 for the identification of venomous snakes. Data collection was performed after obtaining ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.ResultsMost of the students (82.6%) were in the 24-26 age category and the majority were females. Most of the sample (64.7%) had low knowledge of identifying venomous snakes. A higher percentage of students (57.4%) had a sufficient level of knowledge about first aid methods associated with snakebites and 169 participants (39.8%) had a high level of knowledge regarding first aid methods. Further, a significant impact on students' knowledge and knowledge of first aid methods was reported.Conclusion and recommendationThe overall knowledge of identifying venomous snakes among the nursing students was inadequate. However, the knowledge about the first aid methods was at a moderate level. Strategies are needed to improve knowledge in identifying venomous snakes and first aid methods of snakebites amongst nursing students in both educational settings.

Dataset Information

Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging for differentiating venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

Background

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

Publications

Point-of-care infrared thermal imaging for differentiating venomous snakebites from non-venomous and dry bites.

Similar Datasets

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