Capillary leak syndrome due to snakebite in the Amazon: case report

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Clinical Medicine
• Herpetology

Background:

• Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare but serious condition characterized by plasma leakage into the interstitial space.
• Snakebite envenoming, particularly from Bothrops species, is a known cause of CLS.
• Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing severe envenomation.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old boy in the Peruvian Amazon presented with severe facial edema and swelling following a snakebite on his leg.
• The snake was identified as belonging to the Bothrops genus.
• The patient was diagnosed with severe ophidism complicated by facial edema.

Findings:

• The patient received eight vials of antivenin, antibiotics, and analgesics.
• Hospitalization lasted for eight days.
• The patient showed a favorable clinical evolution and complete recovery.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of prompt medical attention for snakebite victims, especially in remote areas.
• Effective antivenom therapy is critical in managing severe envenomation and its complications like CLS.
• Understanding the clinical presentation and management of CLS in snakebite cases is vital for healthcare providers in endemic regions.