Fatality in a case of envenomation by Crotalus adamanteus initially successfully treated with polyvalent ovine antivenom followed by recurrence of defibrinogenation syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Recurrences of clinical or laboratory manifestations of North American pit viper envenomation may happen despite control of the envenomation syndrome by prompt and adequate antivenom therapy. Recurrences of coagulopathy in victims of Eastern diamondback rattlesnake envenomation are generally regarded as benign. The vast majority suffer no actual bleeding despite florid coagulation laboratory abnormalities due to selective defibrinogenation.


METHODS
We report what we believe to be the first fatality following successful control of the envenomation syndrome following ovine antivenom treatment resulting from envenomation by a bite from the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. This case raises the question of whether such recurrences are in fact benign, causal, or coincidental. This patient sustained significant brain hemorrhage and death ensued due to generalized cerebral edema. Defibrinogenation occurred 4 days after treatment with ovine antivenom.


CONCLUSIONS
Coagulation abnormalities following Eastern diamondback rattlesnake envenomation are due to selective defibrinogenation. This is separate from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Thrombin generation, thus hemostasis, are generally considered normal. This case may cause reexamination of this belief.
Kitchens
Craig
C
Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA. craig.kitchens@medicine.ufl.edu
Eskin
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D002423:Cause of Death; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D017839:Crotalus; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D012008:Recurrence; D012756:Sheep; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000997:Antivenins; D005340:Fibrinogen