Open AccessCoagulopathy following lethal and non-lethal envenoming of humans by the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) in Brazil
Author(s) -
Ida Sigueko Sano-Martins,
Sandra C. Tomy,
Daniel Campolina,
Mariana Borges Dias,
S. C. B. Castro,
Maria Cristina Cirillo Sousa-e-Silva,
Carlos Faria Santos Amaral,
Nilton Alves de Rezende,
Aura S. Kamiguti,
David A. Warrell,
R.D.G. Theakston
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
qjm
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.427
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1460-2725
pISSN - 1460-2393
DOI - 10.1093/qjmed/94.10.551
Subject(s) - crotalus , venom , coagulopathy , viperidae , medicine , consumptive coagulopathy , snake bites , biology , envenomation , surgery , ecology
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.