Arabian Levantine viper bite induces thrombocytopenia – a case report

Abstract

Snakebites have been reported to induce hematological complications. Thrombocytopenia usually occurs secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and coagulopathy induced by the snake bite. However, thrombocy-topenia can develop after the snake bite, even in the absence of significant coagulopathy. We reported the case of a 36-year-old Jordanian male patient who was bitten by Arabian Macrovipera Lebetina Obtusa (Levantine viper), which developed venom-induced severe thrombocytopenia without coagulopathy. A progressive drop in platelet count was observed during his admission. His condition improved after anti-venom therapy, and he was discharged after 4 weeks of treatment for a full recovery. This case supports that snake venom can produce severe thrombocytopenia without significant coagulopathy, which can be treated successfully with anti-venom and the best supportive care.