HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Odeleye, A. A. Articles by Mintz, P. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Odeleye, A. A. Articles by Mintz, P. D.

Rattlesnake Venom-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Address correspondence to Paul D. Mintz, M.D., Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health Systems, P.O. Box 800286, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; tel 434 924 2275; fax 434 924 8307; e-mail mintz{at}virginia.edu.

Abstract

We report 2 patients who presented with vasomotor symptoms and severe thrombocytopenia following rattlesnake bites. These symptoms persisted in spite of treatment with antivenin and transfusion of multiple doses of platelets. Thrombocytopenia is a common occurrence in moderate to severe crotaline envenomation. Algorithms suggested for the treatment of rattlesnake envenomation with crotaline-specific antivenin may not reverse the associated thrombocytopenia. The precise mechanism of venom-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT), even in the absence of significant coagulopathy, is unknown. Our experience suggests that, unless spontaneous bleeding occurs, repeated transfusion of fresh frozen plasma and/or platelets may not be indicated.

Keywords: thrombocytopenia, rattlesnake envenomation, Cro-Fab^TM, antivenin, platelet transfusion