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Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming

Isbister, Geoffrey K., Little, M., Cull, G., McCoubrie, D., Lawton, Paul D., Szabo, Ferenc, Kennedy, J., Trethewy, C., Luxton, G., Brown, S. G. A. and Currie, Bart J. (2007). Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming. Internal Medicine Journal,37(8):523-528.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming
Author Isbister, Geoffrey K.
Little, M.
Cull, G.
McCoubrie, D.
Lawton, Paul D.
Szabo, Ferenc
Kennedy, J.
Trethewy, C.
Luxton, G.
Brown, S. G. A.
Currie, Bart J.
Journal Name Internal Medicine Journal
Publication Date 2007
Volume Number 37
Issue Number 8
ISSN 1444-0903   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 523
End Page 528
Total Pages 6
Publisher Blackwell Publishing
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Background: Australian brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) envenoming causes a venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC). A proportion of cases go on to develop thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MABA) and acute renal failure (ARF).

Aim: The aim of the study was to define better the natural history and empirical treatments for thrombotic microangiopathy in brown snake envenoming.

Methods: A review of brown snakebites recruited to the Australian Snakebite Project (ASP), a national multicentre study of snake envenoming was undertaken. Serial data are recorded on clinical effects and laboratory results, including measurement of venom concentrations. We describe cases of thrombotic microangiopathy and compare these to cases without thrombotic microangicipathy.

Results: From 32 cases of brown snake envenoming with severe VICC, four (13%) developed thrombotic microangiopathy, we also included two cases of thrombotic inicroangiopathy from prior to ASP. All six developed severe thrombocytopenia (< 20 x 10(-9)/L), worst 3 days after the bite and resolving over a week, MAHA with fragmented red blood cells on the blood film and five developed anuric ARF requiring dialysis and lasting 2-8 weeks. All six received antivenom, which was delayed compared with other brown snake-envenoming cases. Four were treated with plasmapheresis. The severity and recovery of the thrombocytopenia, anaemia and renal function were similar with and without plasmapheresis. The median length of stay for MAHA cases was 14 days (inter-quartile range (IQR) 12-14) compared to 1.8 days (IQR 1.3-2) for all other cases.

Conclusion: Thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from brown snake bite appears to have a good prognosis and management should focus on early antivenom therapy and supportive care including dialysis. The role of plasmapheresis is yet to be defined.
Keywords brown snake
Pseudonojo
thrombotic microangiopathy
envenoming
snake bite
acute-renal-failure
textilis-textilis
coagulopathy
envenomation
viper
bite
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01407.x   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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