What real-time monitoring parameter used for Crotalinae envenomations may aid in the management of venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy?
Thromboelastography (TEG)
Traditional coagulation parameters have not always been ideal when treating severe coagulopathy from pit viper envenomations and may not identify active fibrinolysis for several hours. TEG has emerged as an enhanced real-time monitoring parameter for these envenomations that may aid in management of the consumptive coagulopathy.
Serial TEGs were successfully utilized to identify and corroborate fibrinolysis while predicting clot formation prior to routine coagulation studies, which further guided antivenin therapy.
Rushton WF et al. Utilization of thromboelastograms in management of Crotalus adamanteus envenomation. Clin Tox 2020; https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1788053
Submitted by: Mary O’Keefe, PharmD on behalf of Acute and Intensive Care Section