Dark green pit viper (Trimeresurus popeorum) bite: Clinical and serial coagulation profiles in 51 cases

Abstract

Trimeresurus popeorum, a dark green pit viper, is commonly found in Southeast Asia. This study describes the clinical picture and blood studies of 51 patients bitten by this snake. Affected limbs were swollen; and hemorrhagic blebs in fingers and toes were found in 12 patients. Lymphangitis was observed in 4 instances. Six individuals exhibited hypofibrinogenemia of 0-84 mg/dl, and 2 cases developed thrombocytopenia and bleeding. The presence of venom in the blood of these patients was demonstrated. Positive fibrin degradation products of 40-320 μg/ml were observed in 6 cases with hypofibrinogenemia, and in 8 other cases. Nineteen patients had short euglobulin lysis times of 51.8 ± 24.7 min. Hyperfibrinogenemia of 626.7 ± 288.9 mg/dl was found in 18 cases. Apart from bleeding, there were no systemic symptoms. Hypofibrinogenemia became normal in 3-12 days. The clinical course in all patients was uneventful, and none received antivenin.