Capillary leak syndrome is a unique complication that follows Russell's viper envenomation. This syndrome has a very high fatality rate and is characterized by parotid swelling, chemosis, periorbital edema, hypotension, albuminuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration. This syndrome is frequently recognized from the southern parts of India, especially from the state of Kerala. It has been postulated that a vascular apoptosis inducing component of Russell's viper venom that is not neutralized by the commercially available anti-snake venom (ASV) is responsible for this complication as it occurs even after adequate doses of ASV administration in most cases. Acute kidney injury often requiring dialysis is invariably present in all patients because of reduced renal perfusion and ischemic acute tubular necrosis as a result of hypotension. Management mainly involves aggressive fluid resuscitation to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. There are no other proven effective treatment modalities, except a few reports of successful treatment with plasmapheresis. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy, terbutaline, aminophylline, and intravenous immunoglobulin are other treatment modalities tried.

BackgroundSnake bites are a neglected public health problem in all tropical countries, and particularly in Malabar region of Kerala, India. Demographic characteristics and clinical parameters vary in this part of the world, and studies based on them are scarce. Increased incidence of capillary leak syndrome (CLS) in hemotoxic snake bites and emergence of cases of hump-nosed pit viper (HNPV, Hypnale hypnale) envenomation are some notable features seen here.ObjectivesThe study was conducted to assess the epidemiological profile and clinical features to identify factors contributing to outcome in patients with venomous snakebites.Materials and methodsAn observational cross-sectional study was done among patients with snakebite envenomation, admitted to Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, from January 2012 to October 2016.ResultsThere were 1,500 cases of toxic snake bites, of which 65% of these cases were males. Forty eight percent of them were aged between 21 and 40 years. Hemotoxic snake bites predominated, accounting for 912 cases. Viperine bite was the most commonly observed snakebite, and 70% of this was due to Russell’s viper and 25% due to HNPV. Among the neurotoxic bites, common krait bites predominated. Overall mortality was 8.8%. CLS was the major cause of death (80%). The mean dose of antivenom given for neuroparalytic snakebite was 10.25 vials, and 18.5 vials for hemotoxic bites. Albuminuria, neutrophilic leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney injury (AKI), and early onset of symptoms were associated with poor outcome.ConclusionThis study emphasizes the importance of snakebite as a significant threat to the community in the tropics. CLS in hemotoxic snake bites is the leading cause of mortality and is often refractory to any treatment measures. This study also brings to light the graveness of complications caused by HNPV envenomation. Anti-snake venom with activity against HNPV venom needs to be manufactured. Lack of awareness, delayed presentation to the hospital, and treatment by nonmedical personnel also add to the risk of mortality.

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Disseminated tuberculosis is an important differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin (FUO) and it can present with hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy and may have meningitis and with hematological abnormalities including pancytopenia or a leukemoid reaction. We report the case of a 13-year old male who presented with fever, weight loss, pallor and massive splenomegaly with pancytopenia, in whom a bone marrow trephine biopsy showed caseating granulomata, who responded well to antituberculous treatment and has remained healthy on follow up after nine years.

We report a case of bronchoesophageal fistula associated with tuberculosis. A 25 year old woman presented to us with 3 month history of cough worsening with deglutition. Radiological examination revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and bronchoscopy with esophagoscopy confirmed the presence of fistulous communication with features of endobronchial tuberculosis. Histological examination of bronchial biopsy specimen showed non necrotic granuloma with the PCR positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in her bronchial secretions. She was begun on antituberculous treatment and became asymptomatic after 2 months. Bronchoscopy done during follow up after 4 months showed normal bronchial lumen with disappearance of fistulous tract. Imaging showed resolution of lung lesions.