Coagulopathy
Coagulopathy caused by snakebite results from the action of either a procoagulaut or an anticoagulant contained in the venom of certain snakes. In snakes where the action of venom is anticoagulant in nature, the issue of coaguloputhy tends not to be of clinical significance. The venom of the brown snakes, the tiger snakes and the taipans all tend to be procoagulant in their action. Procoagulants have the effect of using up fibrinogen supplies, with the result that the blood is unable to clot. This condition cannot be reversed by the administration of factors such as FFP unless the venom has been neutralised with antivenom, since the new supply of fibrinogen will merely act as further substrate for the action of the procoagulant. Whether the administration of adrenaline is advisable, while coagulopathy is still present, remains an issue of debate.
Last updated: July 2005
