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Capillary leak syndrome due to snakebite in the Amazon: case report
Edgar A Ramírez-García1,2, Arley Perez-Mori1,3, Mónica Mori-Coral1
1Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Loreto, Perú.
Insights
Capillary leak syndrome, a complication of snakebite envenoming, caused severe facial edema in a Peruvian boy. Prompt antivenin treatment led to a full recovery, highlighting effective management of this rare condition.
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.
Abstract:
Capillary leak syndrome is a unique complication characterized by extravasation of liquids in the interstitial space due to protein loss caused by snakebite envenoming. We describe the case of a 12-year-old boy from the district of Napo in the city of Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, who had edema and increased face volume due to the bite of a snake of the Bothrops genus in the lateral aspect of the right leg; he was the hospitalized and diagnosed with severe ophidism complicated with face edema. The patient received eight vials of antivenin, antibiotics and analgesics. Finally, the patient was discharged from the hospital after eight days of hospitalization, with favorable evolution and recovery.
