Thromb Haemost 1979; 41(03): 544-552
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1646807
Original Articles
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Plasma Thrombin Assay using a Chromogenic Substrate in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation due to Snake Bite Envenomation

R P Herrmann
The Department of Haematology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
,
P E Bailey
The Department of Haematology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 08 May 1978

Accepted 04 July 1978

Publication Date:
09 July 2018 (online)

Preview

Summary

Using the chromogenic substrate, Tos-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA-HCL (Chromozym TH, Boehringer Mannheim) plasma thrombin was estimated in six cases of envenomation by Australian elapid snakes. All patients manifested findings chracteristic of defibrination due to envenomation by these snakes. Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products were grossly elevated, as was plasma thrombin in all cases.

Following treatment with antivenene, all abnormal coagulation parameters returned rapidly towards normal by 24 hours and plasma thrombin disappeared.