JAMA · 1935 · 35 citations · 3 references
Veterinary MedicinePathologyPharmacologyHemostasisHerpetologyToxicodynamicsNecrosisSnake EnvenomationToxin-mediated DiseaseToxin-mediated PathogenesisVenom BiologyHemorrhagic ManifestationsHemorrhagic PresentationIntradermal AdministrationShwartzman ReactionSnake Venom ToxicologyVenom Pharmacology
This report concerns the control of various types of bleeding by means of subcutaneous injections of a snake venom. In our experience this method has proved superior to the other forms of treatment commonly employed in cases characterized by a hemorrhagic tendency other than hemophilia or thrombocytopenic purpura haemorrhagica. In 1928, Shwartzman1described a phenomenon of skin reactivity (local hemorrhagic necrosis) to bacterial filtrates, which was produced when intradermal injections of these filtrates were followed at a suitable interval by intravenous injections. In 1930, one of us (S. M. P.) attempted, unsuccessfully, to produce the Shwartzman phenomenon with fungous extracts and then to render the reaction site more sensitive to the hypothetical toxic substances in fungous cultures by previous local injections of a vascular poison, snake venom. This proved unsuccessful. In the course of experiments2it was found that, if a period of from fourteen days to one
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