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Mohammad Bader Obeidat, Ali Mohammad Al-Swailmeen, Mohammad Mahmoud Al-Sarayreh, Khaldoun Mohammad Rahahleh
(Department of Medicine, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan)
Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e922000
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.922000
BACKGROUND:
Consumption coagulopathy post envenomation is one the most common complications after a snakebite. It occurs secondary to activation of a coagulation cascade by snake venom and could be followed by a syndrome consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. The efficacy of plasma exchange for the treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy post envenomation is a matter of debate.
CASE REPORT:
We reported the case of a 50-year-old male who had Arabian saw-scaled viper envenomation. He developed venom induced coagulopathy that improved within 24 hours of antivenom therapy. He subsequently developed micro-angiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure that was consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. The patient was treated by plasma exchange and hemodialysis. He made a full recovery and was discharged after 4 weeks.
CONCLUSIONS:
This case report supports plasmapheresis as an option for management of a patient who develops thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to snake bite, especially those who do not improve with antivenom and supportive therapy.