| The team at LFSRU team is currently carrying out Snakebite Research in the following areas: | ||
| 1. | The level of Intracompartmental Pressure in a limb resulting from Snakebite. |
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Snakebite is known to cause potentially severe swelling. If this swelling generates a pressure of 40ml of mercury then the pressure should be released by means of a surgical procedure or fasciotomy. There is considerable doubt whether envenomation by Indian snakes causes this level of intracompartmental pressure. A contributory factor is that most hospitals in India do not possess any means of objectively measuring the pressure. The team at LFSRU, with the assistance of a generous donation of equipment from The Stryker Corporation, have established an observational study to measure the actual level of pressure in a large number of snakebite victims. This data will be published as an empirical guide to doctors in India. |
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| 2. | The effectiveness of a prophylactic regime of Adrenaline in preventing adverse reactions to antivenom. |
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The administration of antivenom in the case of snakebite is not without risk. Experience has shown that in 50%-80% of cases, following the administration of antivenom, the patient experiences a reaction ranging from acute anaphylaxis to type II Pyrogenic reactions.
The development of protocols to reduce this level of reaction is a key area of research. The team at LFSRU is carrying out a randomised, double blind study to investigate the use of adrenaline. |
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| 3. | Viper Neurotoxicity |
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| The Russells Viper is known to be able to cause mild neurotoxic symptoms such a ptosis and ophthalmoplegia. There is a view that the species is also capable of producing severe neurotoxic symptoms such as respiratory failure. The team are conducting a prospective observational study to determine if the Southern Indian Russells Viper is capable of causing such symptoms. |
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| 4. | Coagulopathy in Viper Bites |
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| Viper venom is known to interfere with the human blood clotting mechanism. The exact mechanism by which it does this is unknown in India. The team are investigating this phenomena. |
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