Vasculotoxic Snake Bite -

Vasculotoxic, Snakebite, Viperidae, Coagulopathy, Antivenom, Acute Kidney Injury. 1. Introduction Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) responsible for an estimated 1.8 to 2.7 million envenomations annually, with over 100,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities (WHO, 2019). The pathophysiological effects of snake venom are broadly classified into three categories: neurotoxic (elapids), myotoxic (sea snakes), and vasculotoxic (vipers). Vasculotoxic snake bites are characterized by their predilection for the vascular endothelium and hemostatic system.

Unlike physiological thrombin, venom serine proteases (e.g., ancrod, batroxobin) cleave fibrinogen to fibrin without activating factor XIII. This produces unstable, loose fibrin clots that are rapidly lysed, leading to defibrination syndrome . Concurrently, venom activates factor X and prothrombin, leading to consumptive coagulopathy. vasculotoxic snake bite

The term "vasculotoxic" is somewhat of a misnomer, as the venom primarily affects blood vessels and blood components. Key families include Viperidae (e.g., Daboia russelii , Echis carinatus , Bothrops atrox ) and some Colubridae. In India, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, viper bites account for the majority of vasculotoxic envenomations. The clinical syndrome is dominated by local tissue destruction, coagulopathy, and systemic vascular leakage. Without prompt intervention, patients succumb to intracranial hemorrhage, acute kidney injury (AKI), or hypovolemic shock. The vasculotoxic action is mediated by a complex mixture of enzymes and peptides. The pathophysiological effects of snake venom are broadly

SVMPs degrade the basement membrane of capillary endothelial cells. By cleaving type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, they increase vascular permeability, leading to local edema, blistering, and systemic capillary leak syndrome. This directly causes petechiae, ecchymosis, and spontaneous systemic hemorrhage. This produces unstable, loose fibrin clots that are

[Generated for Academic Purposes] Affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine & Tropical Medicine

Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Management of Vasculotoxic Snake Envenomation: A Comprehensive Review