Unknown Snake: Signs and Symptoms
| 1. Neurotoxicity. There appears to be definite neurotoxicity as a major clinical feature of the envenomation. Return to this step. | |
| 2. Rhabdomyolysis. There are definite signs and or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as myalgia or myoglobinuria.Return to this step. | |
| 3. Coagulopathy. Does FBE show evidence of the action of a procoagulant? While all dangerous Australian snakes have venom causing some degree of clotting disturbance, some possess anticoagulant properties while others are procoagulant. In either case, INR and APTT are extended, and blood fails to clot in a 20-minute whole blood clotting test, but the action of procoagulant results in depleted fibrinogen. Click one of the links below. | |
The INR is extended, and the fibrinogen level is significantly below the reference range, indicating a procoagulant. In these cases, disseminated intravscular coagulopathy (DIC) may be a significant danger. | Although coagulopathy is evident, fibrinogen levels are within normal limits. This suggests the action of an anticoagulant. In such cases, the coagulopathy is often of lesser clinical importance. |