Disseminated intravascular coagulation after Cerastes vipera envenomation in a 3-year-old child: a case report

This study presents a case of severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a 3-year-old child following envenomation by the snake, Cerastes vipera. A literature search revealed very few similar cases. We describe a child who was bitten in his left foot by a snake identified as a C. vipera. Initial symptoms were relatively benign. Local signs included a hemorrhagi c vesicle at the site of the bite with marked swelling of the entire leg. T wenty-four hours later, the child developed severe bleeding due to DIG, whi ch lasted 5 days and required repeated administration of blood and blood pr oducts and total exchange transfusion. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 7 days in good condition. To the best of our knowledge, seve re DIC following envenomation by a C. vipera has not been previously descri bed in the literature. Treatment was essentially supportive. The case repor t indicates that a specific antivenin against this snake's venom should be made available in our area. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.