Action of snake venom components on the haemostatic system

Vipera palaestinae envenomation in 327 dogs: a retrospective cohort study and analysis of risk factors for mortality

“…Gastrointestinal signs, commonly observed in humans (Efrati and Reif, 1953), are infrequent in dogs . Rare complications reported in people and dogs in viper-snake bites include bacterial infections (clostridial or other), local necrosis, upper respiratory airway obstruction due to laryngeal oedema, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute renal failure, severe thrombocytopenia and death (Mann, 1976;Chugh et al, 1984;Hutton and Warrell, 1993;Aroch and Harrus, 1999;Lifshitz et al, 2000;Li et al, 2001). Myocardial necrosis in dogs and horses due to Vp envenomation is a rare complication (Hoffman et al, 1993;Leisner et al, 1999).…”

Afaâcytin, an αβ‐fibrinogenase from Cerastes cerastes (Horned Viper) Venom, Activates Purified Factor X and Induces Serotonin Release from Human Blood Platelets

“…Although they have a wide range of quaternary structures, it is likely that the thrombin-like enzymes from snake venom share a common three-dimensional motif, which includes the enzyme catalytic site, to account for their similarities in mode of action or/and substrate specificity, as well as susceptibility to inhibitors. Many venom components acting on the hemostatic system, already are, or have the potential to be, used as therapeutic agents or for diagnostic purposes (Hutton and Warrell, 1993, for a review). These components are generally not inhibited by any plasmatic inhibitors of thrombin or any coagulant medication.…”

Letter To The Editor: “Copperhead Snakebite Treated with Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) Antivenom in Third Trimester Pregnancy”

“…Additionally, their analysis suggested a significantly increased risk of poor fetal outcome earlier in pregnancy (OR 7.3 for 2 nd trimester and OR 51.3 for 1 st trimester compared with 3 rd trimester envenomations). The exact mechanism of fetal demise is not well understood (2,4). It is likely that the coagulopathic and membrane destabilizing effects of the venom cause microthrombi and hemorrhage at the utero-placental junction (2).…”