Bothrops atrox snake bite in a six-year-old child

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Hematology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Snakebite envenoming is a significant public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex hematological disorder characterized by widespread activation of coagulation.
• Bothrops atrox, a venomous snake species, is indigenous to parts of South America and the Caribbean.

Observation:

• A rare case of pediatric snakebite envenoming by Bothrops atrox presented with severe disseminated intravascular coagulation.
• The patient exhibited acute bleeding manifestations, indicative of a coagulopathy.
• The clinical presentation mimicked other common causes of bleeding disorders in children.

Findings:

• The snake venom of Bothrops atrox was identified as the causative agent for the disseminated intravascular coagulation.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed the presence of widespread activation of the coagulation cascade and consumption of clotting factors.
• Prompt recognition and management of venom-induced coagulopathy are critical.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering snakebite envenoming in the differential diagnosis of acute bleeding disorders in children in endemic areas.
• Healthcare providers in the West Indian islands of Trinidad, St. Lucia, and Martinique should be aware of Bothrops atrox as a potential cause of DIC.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antivenom therapy can improve outcomes for patients with venom-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation.