title: The efficacy of antivenom in prevention of cardiovascular depression and coagulopathy induced by brown snake (Pseudonaja) species venom.
abstract: The efficacy of antivenom in prevention of cardiovascular depression and coagulopathy induced by Brown Snake species (Pseudonaja textilis, Pseudonaja affinis) was investigated in anaesthetised mechanically ventilated dogs. Venom and antivenom in variable amounts were incubated together at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes prior to intravenous injection. The dose of antivenom required to prevent severe cardiovascular depression and coagulopathy induced by Pseudonaja textilis venom was 25 times the current recommended dose for clinical use. A tenfold dose of antivenom was required to neutralise similar effects induced by Pseudonaja affinis venom. Large amounts of antivenom may be required in clinical use if coagulopathy or cardiovascular depression are present after envenomation by species of the Brown Snake genus.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tibballs
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sutherland
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology; D002496:Central Venous Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D010976:Platelet Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D004546:Elapid Venoms; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; D005340:Fibrinogen