Effects of Different Time Protocols Treatment on Coagulation Parameters of Sheep Injected With Hemiscorpius lepturus Venom

Abstract

Background: Hemiscorpius lepturus is one of the most dangerous scorpion species, endemic in Khuzestan province. Its venom has hemolytic activity and can lead to hemoglobinuria and death. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of three different time treatment protocols on changes of coagulation parameters in sheep received Hemiscorpius lepturus venom. Materials and Methods: Sixteen healthy male lambs were divided randomly into four groups. Hemiscorpius lepturus venom (0.01 mg/kg of body weight) injected subcutaneously. Blood samples were taken at 30 minutes before and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 and 168 hours after injection. The sheep of group 1 were treated only by injection of Hemiscorpius lepturus venom. In groups 2, 3 and 4 (Experimental groups), treatment of animals began at 1, 24 and 48 hours respectively after the venom injection. In addition to intravenous injection of 5 mL antivenom, supportive therapy was performed as well. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen were measured by commercial kit and platelet (PLT) count was performed by hematology analyzer. All results were statistically analyzed using two way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: In the studied groups, the effect of time on PT and platelets counts was significant (P < 0.05); however, it did not have a significant effect on the amounts of PTT and fibrinogen. No significant statistic difference was found regarding four factors measured between different treatment groups. Interaction of time and treatment groups had significant effect only on the platelet counts (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Hemiscorpius lepturus venom in sheep can cause severe changes in some of the coagulation factors. This should be considered as part of the pathogenesis of scorpion sting and seriously in the treatment protocol of scorpion sting victims.