| [ Summary ] |
Habu snake venom contains a hematotoxin, causing coagulant consumption, inhibition of platelet aggregation and vascular endothelial damage. Local manifestations are hemorrhage and swelling at the bite site. Systemic bleeding and hypotension may accompany severe cases. Acute renal failure (ARF) rarely occurs in habu snake bite. The renal pathological changes due to ARF, are mostly acute tubular necrosis, due to loss of plasma in tissue at the site of the bite, bleeding and collapse due to anaphylaxis. Antivenin and adequate hydration to prevent circulatory collapse are essentials of treatment. Hemodialysis is needed when ARF is established. ARF is usually reversible and recovery is generally possible. |