Recurrent and persistent coagulopathy following pit viper envenomation

Leslie V. Boyer, Steven A. Seifert, Richard F. Clark, Jude T. McNally, Saralyn R. Williams, Sean P. Nordt, Frank G. Walter, Richard C. Dart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

122 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Coagulation abnormalities following crotaline (pit viper) snakebite have traditionally been considered short-lived, but laboratory studies have rarely been reported beyond the first few days of treatment for envenomation. During the course of an antivenom clinical trial, we observed coagulation defects as late as 2 weeks following envenomation. Objectives: To document and characterize the recurrence or persistence of coagulopathy among patients envenomed by pit vipers and treated with a Fab antivenom. Methods: Patients with moderate pit viper envenomation were enrolled in a multicenter, prospective clinical trial. A Fab-based antivenom preparation, antivenom polyvalent crotalid (ovine) Fab, was administered in all cases. Platelet count, fibrinogen level, presence of fibrin split products, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time were determined before treatment and at standard intervals during the following 2 weeks. Results: Of 38 patients completing the study, 20 (53%) had recurrent, persistent, or late coagulopathy 2 to 14 days after envenomation. Thrombocytopenia occurred in patients with prior thrombocytopenia; hypofibrinogenemia occurred only in those with prior hypofibrinogenemia or positive fibrin split products. No patient experienced significant spontaneous bleeding. One patient with coagulopathy developed minor bleeding following minor surgery 12 days after envenomation. Conclusions: Prolonged or recurrent coagulopathy may occur after envenomation by North American pit vipers. Patients treated with Fab- based antivenom may benefit from periodic rather than single-bolus dosing. Patients with coagulopathy should undergo close monitoring during the first 2 weeks after snakebite.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)706-710
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of internal medicine
Volume159
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

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