User:Jstover888/Venom-induced consumption coagulopathy

Lead
Venom-induced coagulopathy occurs when pro-clotting factors contained in certain snake and caterpillar venoms lead to depletion of the patients ability to form appropriate blood clots and stop bleeding.

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms are similar to those seen in other consumptive coagulopathies. These include obvious bleeding from the nose, gums, and any intravenous lines or puncture sites. More serious symptoms such as vomiting blood, intestinal bleeding, and hemorrhage of internal organs may also be seen.

Pathophysiology
Venom-induced coagulopathy is caused by over-activation of the body's natural clotting system. This decreases clotting factor availability, thus impairing hemostasis. The exact mechanism by which this is accomplished varies greatly venom to venom. Some venoms cause something akin to disseminated intravascular coagulation, while others lack the microthrombi characteristic in this disorder.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is established using various laboratory tests designed to test the function of the clotting system and other blood components. These tests include a complete blood count, prothrombin time with international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, serum direct fibrinogen, and D-dimer. Abnormal values of these tests in combination with recent history of snakebite suggest venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy. The anticoagulation effects of snake venom can last for up to two weeks in some species without the administration of anti-venom and should thus be considered as the relevant time course when distinguishing symptom causes.

Treatment
Treatment revolves around rapid identification and prompt administration of anti-venom. General principles of treatment also include application of pressure dressing, baseline blood tests, testing of bite site, urinalysis, and follow-up serial bloodwork to monitor disease progression. However, there is some controversy as some venoms may work too quickly for antivenom to be of any use.