Plasmapheresis in a case of acute kidney injury with severe hemolysis and thrombocytopenia due to hematotoxic (Russell's viper) snake bite

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation : an Official Publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia
Puneet AroraSanjay Saxena

Abstract

We present a case of a male patient after being bitten by a vasculotoxic snake (Russell's viper) with severe hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis. As attempt to administer anti-snake venom (ASV) failed because of development of anaphylactic reaction, a single session of plasmapheresis was done to stop hemolysis and fall in platelets, which was refractory to all other measures and proved to be a lifesaving procedure in this patient. The role of plasmapheresis in the management of snakebite victims is yet to be established, but can be beneficial in snake bite victims refractory to ASV or nonavailability of ASV or intolerant to ASV as in this case.

References

May 24, 2015·Journal of Medical Toxicology : Official Journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology·Manjusha AbrahamStephen L Thornton
Jan 16, 2017·Kidney International·Emmanuel A Burdmann, Vivekanand Jha

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