Acute renal failure after envenomation by the common brown snake

A non-fatal case of acute renal failure after envenomation by a common brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is described. The renal failure required dialysis but resolved rapidly. There were no signs of neurotoxic envenomation or myoglobinuria. A mild disturbance of coagulation was noted with severe thrombocytopenia. This is the first documented case of renal failure (acute tubular necrosis) after envenomation by the common brown snake to present with this clinical picture. It is also the first clinical evidence that an Australian snake venom may contain a direct nephrotoxic component.