Indian Journal of Critical Care Case Report

Register      Login

VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 1 ( January-February, 2025 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Capillary Leak Syndrome Following Russell's Viper Envenomation: A Death Bell that Needs Urgent Addressal

Naveen KrishnaGJ, NaveenRaj Sivaraman, Bala Sundaram

Keywords : Capillary leak syndrome, Case report, Conjunctival congestion, Hypoalbuminemia, Parotid swelling, Snakebite

Citation Information : KrishnaGJ N, Sivaraman N, Sundaram B. Capillary Leak Syndrome Following Russell's Viper Envenomation: A Death Bell that Needs Urgent Addressal. 2025; 4 (1):19-21.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11006-0147

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-12-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and background: Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) following Russell's viper envenomation is a rare potentially fatal complication, even after administration of adequate antisnake venom. Case description: Here, we present the case of a 54-year-old male who presented with snakebite and subsequently developed CLS, characterized by conjunctival congestion, parotid swelling, hypoalbuminemia, and albuminuria. The patient experienced severe third-space fluid loss necessitating aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation to maintain intravascular volume. Despite these efforts, renal hypoperfusion requiring dialysis and respiratory distress necessitating mechanical ventilation ensued. Through vigilant intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring and management, the patient eventually recovered without complications. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early identification of CLS and the need for close ICU monitoring, intensive ventilatory, and circulatory support. For guideline-directed and targeted therapy, future research of this lethal syndrome is imperative. Clinical significance: This article is to increase awareness regarding recognizing this rare fatal complication, overview of management, and emphasizing the importance of initiating early treatment that plays a significant role in recovery.


PDF Share
  1. Senji Laxme RR, Khochare S, Attarde S, et al. Biogeographic venom variation in Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) and the preclinical inefficacy of antivenom therapy in snakebite hotspots. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021;15:e0009247. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009247
  2. Kasturiratne A, Wickremasinghe AR, de Silva N, et al. The global burden of snakebite: a literature analysis and modelling based on regional estimates of envenoming and deaths. PLoS Med 2008;5(11):e218. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050218
  3. Udayabhaskaran V, Thomas EA, Shaji B. Capillary leak syndrome following snakebite envenomation. Indian J Crit Care Med 2017;21(10):698. DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_41_17
  4. Masuda S, Hayashi H, Araki S. Two vascular apoptosis-inducing proteins from snake venom are members of the metalloprotease/disintegrin family. Eur J Biochem 1998;253(1):36–41. DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1998.2530036.x
  5. Thomas RG, Kumar J. Clinical features, prognostic factors and outcome of capillary leak syndrome in snake bite envenomation. Int J Adv Res 2016;4:2707–2710. DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/2697
  6. Clarkson B, Thompson D, Horwith M, et al. Cyclical edema and shock due to increased capillary permeability. Am J Med 1960;29:193–216. DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(60)90018-8
  7. Lee YS, Kim SY, Kwon CW, et al. Two cases of systemic capillary leak syndrome that were treated with pentastarch. Korean J Intern Med 2007;22:130–132. DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2007.22.2.130
  8. Almawi WY, Beyhum HN, Rahme AA, et al. Regulation of cytokine and cytokine receptor expression by glucocorticoids. J Leukoc Biol 1996;60:563–572. DOI: 10.1002/jlb.60.5.563
  9. Chihara R, Nakamoto H, Arima H, et al. Systemic capillary leak syndrome. Intern Med 2002;41:953–956. DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.41.953
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.