Is delayed coagulopathy still difficult to anticipate after snakebite? An illustrative case report

Coagulopathy following snakebite typically occur within 24 h. Occasionally, abnormality of the coagulation system persists into the second week; although clinically, significant bleeding is rare after seven days. Early coagulopathy and concurrent acute renal failure tends to increase the odd of delayed coagulopathy. We report a case of delayed coagulopathy and renal failure occurring after 2 weeks in a previously healthy male patient who was bitten by Echis occelatus to illustrate the fact that coagulopathy could be delayed till the third week after snakebite. We suggest close clinical and/or laboratory surveillance of patients who survived an early envenomation, so as to forestall unnecessary morbidity and mortality.   Key words: Coagulopathy, snakebite, Echis occelatus.