Coagulopathies in Naja naja karachiensis (black Pakistan cobra) bites and its effect on coagulation tests upon storage of platelet-poor plasma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of venom from Naja naja karachiensis on platelet-poor plasma, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) / international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT) and to evaluate its effect on clotting time upon storage of plasma for a specific time period with possible mechanism responsible for that. Prolongation of PT / INR, aPTT and TT was observed when different concentrations of venom were introduced due to degeneration of fibrinogen. Preservation of plasma for three months further prolong clotting time for coagulation tests, however, difference of PT and TT results were not very prominent as compared to aPTT. Minute concentrations of cobra venom and short as well as long storage of platelet-poor plasma badly affects the INR ratio.