Coagulopathy following lethal and non-lethal envenoming of humans by the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) in Brazil.
The South American tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus subspp) is responsible for approximately 10% of bites from venomous snakes in Brazil. We studied 24 victims of bites by this species over 3 years, in south-eastern Brazil, particularly investigating haemostatic alterations. Thirteen patients were defined as moderately envenomed and 11 as severe. There were two deaths, which were not attributed to venom-induced haemostatic disturbances. However, envenoming by C. durissus is frequently associated with haemostatic disorders, which are probably attributable mainly to the action of the thrombin-like enzyme, with possible additional effects secondary to the powerful myotoxic activity of the venom.
Sano-Martins
I S
IS
Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil. lusiada@uol.com.br
Tomy
S C
SC
Campolina
D
D
Dias
M B
MB
de Castro
S C
SC
de Sousa-e-Silva
M C
MC
Amaral
C F
CF
Rezende
N A
NA
Kamiguti
A S
AS
Warrell
D A
DA
Theakston
R D
RD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000997:Antivenins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms