8-Year-Old Boy Recovers from Severe Kidney Injury After Snakebite at KIMS Cuddles Kurnool

Kurnool: An eight-year-old boy from Sanjamala village in Kurnool district has recovered from severe acute kidney injury caused by a snakebite following timely treatment, including intensive care and haemodialysis, at KIMS Cuddles, Kurnool.

The child, identified as Rithik, was bitten by a snake on his left leg while playing near his home. A tight tourniquet was reportedly tied around the affected limb for several hours, and the family initially sought traditional treatment.

Over the following 24 hours, the boy’s urine output dropped sharply. He also developed swelling across his body and rapid breathing, prompting the family to take him to KIMS Cuddles, where he was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

According to Dr. P. V. Ravi Kiran, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, medical evaluation revealed severe acute kidney injury. His serum creatinine was recorded at 7.5 mg/dL, while blood urea levels had reached 170 mg/dL. His blood pressure was also significantly elevated.

“Given the severity of the kidney injury and the marked reduction in urine output, the child required close monitoring and intensive management in the PICU,” said Dr. Ravi Kiran.

Haemodialysis was initiated and continued for several days, along with treatment to control his blood pressure and other supportive measures. Following treatment, the child’s urine output gradually improved and his kidney function began returning towards normal levels.

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After his condition stabilised, Rithik was found to be clinically well and was discharged from the hospital.

Dr. Ravi Kiran said snakebites can cause serious complications affecting multiple organs, particularly when treatment is delayed. He advised parents to treat reduced urine output, swelling, breathing difficulties, abnormal blood pressure, weakness, bleeding or other unusual symptoms after a snakebite as warning signs requiring immediate medical attention.

The doctor stressed that children bitten by snakes should be taken to a hospital equipped with emergency facilities as soon as possible. He cautioned against delaying medical treatment in favour of unproven traditional remedies.

He also advised against applying tight tourniquets or other measures without medical guidance, as they may interfere with blood circulation and cause additional complications. Immediate transportation to an appropriate medical facility and timely administration of anti-snake venom, when indicated, remain crucial after a suspected snakebite.

The case highlights the importance of early hospitalisation, continuous monitoring and access to specialised paediatric intensive care and renal replacement therapy when children develop severe complications following snakebites.