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Snakebite not a cause for Chronic Kidney Disease, study reveals
By Ifham Nizam
Snakebite is not a cause of the Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka, a latest study reveals.Lead researcher of the project Prof. Anjana Silva of the Rajarata Medical Faculty told The Island: “We have so far investigated in depth how snakebite causes paralysis in humans, the effectiveness of anti- venom for treating these patients as well as affordable tests to detect snakebite at the bedside and other long-term effects of snakebite.”
Prof. Silva says there are still many things that the team is not clear about, relating to snakebite so they need to continue the studies in the long run not only to understand more about snakebite but also to make a real improvement in the treatment and prevention of this unfortunate, preventable health hazard
Chronic Interstitial Nephritis of Agricultural Communities (CINAC), also known as Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu), has been a major health issue in Sri Lanka, and has claimed many lives, especially in the North Central Province, and other agricultural areas.
Although the exact cause of this ‘mysterious’ disease has not been elucidated, several hypothesis, including a mix of possible causes, such as water, agricultural activities, agrochemicals, heavy metals, snakebite and heat stress, have been previously attributed by scientists.
A recent research study, by a team of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences of Rajarata University, published in a leading medical journal, Clinical Toxicology, revealed that snakebite is unlike to be a cause of CINAC or CKDu in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted as a part of the PhD study of Dr. Subodha Waiddyanatha, where she followed up 199 snakebite patients, four years after the snakebite, and 168 patients, one year after the snakebite.
“At the time of snakebite, we have collected all the information of these patients, including the data on their kidney function. We compared this data with their kidney function, one and four years after the snakebite, and found no evidence of any association of venomous snakebite, with reduced kidney function. We found that those patients who had kidney failure after the snakebite, completely recovered when we studied them one and four years later,” Dr. Waiddyanatha said.
She said that a small number of patients, who had reduced kidney function, at the follow up, had clearly identifiable other causes of poor kidney function, such as diabetes and hypertension. This means that a snakebite is unlikely to be a cause of CINAC or CKDu in Sri Lanka. “However, we still need to closely monitor a large number of patients who develop severe kidney failure, after snakebite, to clearly understand how many of them could have reduced renal functions in the long run,” Dr. Waiddyanatha added.
“This study was conducted as a part of ‘Anuradhapura Snakebite Cohort’, probably the largest snakebite research study in the world, that was started in 2012 by a team of researchers from the Rajarata Medical Faculty that included Prof. Sisira Siribaddana, Dr. Senaka Pilapitya and myself, in collaboration with one of the foremost snakebite researchers in the world, Professor Geoffrey Isbister from Newcastle University, Australia. South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration was instrumental in providing logistics for the study”, she said.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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