Venom-Induced Recurrent Thrombocytopenia: A Model of Intervention-Driven Platelet Modulation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: We present the case of a Vipera ammodytes ammodytes (Vaa, nose-horned viper)-bitten patient with recurrent thrombocytopenia. A 53-year-old patient envenomated by Vaa experienced three episodes of venom-dependent thrombocytopenia (4, 57 and 11 × 109/L), all of which we managed with antivenom Fab fragments. Despite these three severe episodes of thrombocytopenia within 24 h, platelet function remained intact, as demonstrated by normal thromboelastometry and aggregometry (96, 126, and 150 U) results after antivenom was administered and the platelet count normalized. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed only 0.3–1.7% expression of P-selectin on platelets, indicating that platelets did not activate but remained functional during and after thrombocytopenia. We assessed platelet function using rotational thromboelastometry, which evaluates the overall kinetics of hemostasis, including clot formation and stability. We performed aggregometry, which also reflects platelet function, only when the platelet count was within the normal range. Flow cytometry quantified P-selectin expression as a key marker of platelet activation. This case demonstrates that a component of Vaa venom can repeatedly induce venom-dependent thrombocytopenia, which is reversible by intervention, while platelet function remains intact.
Source: Toxins
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Awards: Toxins and Biomembranes, Pharmacokinetics of snake antivenom following intravenous and intramuscular administration in envenomed large animal model, Applied and Basic Physiology and Pathophysiology in Medicine, Reversibility of transient thrombocytopenia induced by a snake venom component offers a safe antithrombotic prevention in interventional angiology and cardiology
OpenAlex ID: W4417436241