BACKGROUND: The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a highly toxic venomous snake that is responsible for a large proportion of the venomous snakebites in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is indigenous. Puff adder bites in North America result from snakes in captivity. Although thrombolytic enzymes are present in puff adder venom, significant coagulopathy has not been previously reported with a confirmed puff adder envenomation. RESULTS: We report a serious puff adder envenomation to the finger, characterized by severe swelling, local tissue necrosis, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, severe coagulopathy, and hemorrhage. Fifteen vials of South Africa polyvalent antivenom were administered, beginning 4.5 hours post-envenomation, with step-wise improvement in hematological abnormalities. Other treatments included vasopressors, ventilatory support, leeches, transfusion, and eventual digit amputation. After a prolonged hospital course, the patient had a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Puff adder envenomation causes tissue necrosis, hypotension, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and spontaneous bleeding. Severe coagulopathy may occur. Physicians treating severe cases should be prepared to administer at least 15 vials of antivenom if needed.
BACKGROUND: The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a highly toxic venomous snake that is responsible for a large proportion of the venomous snakebites in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is indigenous. Puff adder bites in North America result from snakes in captivity. Although thrombolytic enzymes are present in puff adder venom, significant coagulopathy has not been previously reported with a confirmed puff adder envenomation. RESULTS: We report a serious puff adder envenomation to the finger, characterized by severe swelling, local tissue necrosis, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, severe coagulopathy, and hemorrhage. Fifteen vials of South Africa polyvalent antivenom were administered, beginning 4.5 hours post-envenomation, with step-wise improvement in hematological abnormalities. Other treatments included vasopressors, ventilatory support, leeches, transfusion, and eventual digit amputation. After a prolonged hospital course, the patient had a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS:Puff adder envenomation causes tissue necrosis, hypotension, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, and spontaneous bleeding. Severe coagulopathy may occur. Physicians treating severe cases should be prepared to administer at least 15 vials of antivenom if needed.
Authors: Danielle Paixão-Cavalcante; Alexandre K Kuniyoshi; Fernanda C V Portaro; Wilmar Dias da Silva; Denise V Tambourgi Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2015-02-02
Authors: Mrudul V Dharod; Tushar B Patil; Archana S Deshpande; Ragini V Gulhane; Mangesh B Patil; Yogendra V Bansod Journal: N Am J Med Sci Date: 2013-10
Authors: Ângela Alice Amadeu Megale; Fábio Carlos Magnoli; Alexandre Kazuo Kuniyoshi; Leo Kei Iwai; Denise V Tambourgi; Fernanda C V Portaro; Wilmar Dias da Silva Journal: J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis Date: 2018-12-13