Kurnool boy recovers from snakebite-induced kidney injury after dialysis
An eight-year-old boy from Sanjamala village in Kurnool district has recovered from severe acute kidney injury caused by a snakebite after receiving timely intensive care and haemodialysis at KIMS Cuddles hospital. The child, identified as Rithik, was bitten on his left leg while playing in the premises of his house.
Following the bite, the family initially resorted to traditional treatment. Within 24 hours, the boy's urine output declined significantly, and he developed swelling of the body and rapid breathing. Concerned, the family brought him to KIMS Cuddles, where he was evaluated and admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
According to Consultant Paediatric Intensivist Dr. P.V. Ravi Kiran, the child was found to have severe acute kidney injury, with serum creatinine at 7.5 mg/dL and blood urea at 170 mg/dL. His blood pressure was also significantly elevated. 'Given the severity of the kidney injury and the marked reduction in urine output, haemodialysis was initiated and continued for a few days, along with appropriate management of blood pressure and other supportive measures. His urine output gradually improved and kidney function subsequently returned towards normal,' Dr. Ravi Kiran explained.
The child responded well to treatment, showing gradual improvement in urine production and renal function. After his condition stabilised, he was clinically well and was discharged from the hospital.
Dr. Ravi Kiran said that snakebite can cause serious systemic complications and may affect organs beyond the site of the bite. In children, reduced urine output, swelling, breathing difficulty, changes in blood pressure, weakness, bleeding, or other unusual symptoms following a snakebite should be considered warning signs requiring immediate medical attention. He advised against applying a tight tourniquet or using other traditional measures without medical guidance. Immediate transportation to an appropriate medical facility and administration of antisnake venom remain the most important steps after a suspected snakebite.
This case underscores the critical importance of timely medical intervention in snakebite cases, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices are common. Snakebites are a known public health concern in India, and complications such as acute kidney injury can be effectively managed with prompt dialysis and supportive care. Doctors urge the public to recognise warning signs and avoid delays in seeking hospital treatment to prevent severe outcomes.
