EFFECTS OF PROLONGED POISONING BY. RUSSELL'S VIPER VENOM ON BLOOD COAGULATION, PLATELETS AND FIBRINOLYSIS

Abstract
The effects of Russell''s viper venom on blood coagulation, platelets and the fibrinolytic enzyme system were studied in rabbits after injecting repeated doses of 0.05 MLD [minimum lethal dose] of the venom. Thrombocytopenia was the earliest change. It was followed by a rise in serum fibrinogen degradation products and prolongation of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time indicating a progressive consumption coagulopathy and activation of fibrinolysis. Red blood cell morphology was unchanged during the 1st 3 wk; the fragmentation appeared after the 4th wk and it increased in severity with further envenomations, i.e., when chronic DIC [disseminated intravascular coagulation] was established.