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Local tissue necrosis and thrombocytopenia following Bungarus multicinctus envenomation in a child
Ning Wang1,2, Xuedong Wu3,2, Shanshan Zhang3,2
1Departamento de Cirugía Pediátrica, Primer Hospital Afiliado, Universidad de Dali, China. wn20153240@163.com.
Insights
Snakebite envenoming in children presents unique challenges. This case highlights severe tissue necrosis and coagulopathy from Bungarus multicinctus bites, differing from typical presentations.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Herpetology
Background:
- Snakebite envenoming is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting children who exhibit distinct clinical features compared to adults.
- Bungarus multicinctus, a highly venomous elapid snake, is known to cause symptoms such as respiratory failure and hyponatremia.
Observation:
- This report details an unusual case of Bungarus multicinctus envenomation in a pediatric patient.
- The patient presented with severe tissue necrosis and thrombocytopenia, alongside coagulopathy.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation in this case deviated significantly from the commonly documented effects of Bungarus multicinctus envenomation.
- Severe local tissue damage and hematological abnormalities, including low platelet count and impaired blood clotting, were observed.
Implications:
- This case underscores the variability in Bungarus multicinctus venom effects, especially in pediatric populations.
- It highlights the need for heightened awareness and potentially revised treatment protocols for severe pediatric snakebite envenomation, considering the risk of necrosis and coagulopathy.
Abstract:
Snakebite envenoming is a global public health problem. The pediatric population poisoned by snakebite envenoming has different features than adult patients. Bungarus multicinctus is a highly venomous species of the elapid snake. The documented clinical presentations following Bungarus multicinctus envenoming are minimal local reactions, respiratory failure, general pain, and life-threatening hyponatremia. We present an uncommon case of Bungarus multicinctus envenomation in a girl with unusual clinical findings, including severe tissue necrosis and thrombocytopenia with coagulopathy.
