Abstract
Coagulopathies are commonly encountered in victims of pit viper envenomation. In the majority of patients these defects improve with administration of antivenin. However, blood products are often transfused based on arbitrary criteria and with significant risk to the patient. This article documents the effectiveness and risks of antivenin administration and the risks of blood product transfusion. We recommend that blood products not be used except for clearly defined clinical indications.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 795-801 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Annals of emergency medicine |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1991 |
Keywords
- CROTALIDAE
- antivenin
- coagulopathy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Emergency Medicine