Delayed administration of antivenin three days after snakebite saves a life

ABSTRACT

Snakebites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Some snake venoms contain hemotoxins that can result in widespread bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC] and a rapid death. This can be prevented by giving antivenom within hours, if not immediately. We report a case of a patient, who continued to deteriorate after 24 hours of envenomation, developed DIC and compartment syndrome within hours of the bite, in spite of the earlier treatment with polyvalent snake antivenin [PSA [Equine]]. The patient was then given a second dose of PSA [Equine] three days after envenomation which resulted correction of coagulopathy and complete improvement of the local symptoms