Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in socioeconomically disadvantaged localities in Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

haemorrhagic activity, and small molecules, such as Ctype lectins, disintegrins and phospholipase A 2 . Different components of the venom may be measurable at different time points. This may explain the relatively short half-life of the venom initially and longer half-life later. The small proteins may be excreted first at faster rates, followed by high molecular weight proteins that are cleared slowly. These long half-life proteins probably contribute to platelet stimulation, agglutination and sequestration, as persistent plasma venom is associated with prolonged thrombocytopaenia, although coagulation defects are already normalized. In addition, we observed that the onset of thrombocytopaenia was later than that of prolonged VCT. These data suggest that fibrinogen and platelet destruction are mediated by different components of the venom.In conclusion, this is the first study on GPV venom kinetics in humans. The clearance of venom was found to be slower than those of cobra and Russell's viper. Haemostatic abnormalities were not associated with initial venom antigenaemia but were caused by prolonged venom exposure from delayed clearance and/or re-absorption. Therefore, antivenom should be considered in patients with delayed or long-lasting coagulopathy. References