Abstract
Background: Hemolyis of red blood cells is a serious toxic effect commonly found among patients envenomed by Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evlaute the efficay of the avaible polyvalent antivneom in preventing this phenomena. Materials and Methods: Using a red blood cell fragility test, the anti-hemolytic effectiveness of a new antivenom serum against Hemiscorpius lepturus venom was investigated. Hemolysis was measured using spectrophotometry. Results: Addition of venom (2, 10, 20, and 40 µg/ml) to 0.5 ml of 5% washed red blood cell suspension produced concentration-dependent hemolysis. Both the pre-incubation of red blood cell suspensions with various concentrations of antivenom (4%, 10%, and 20% v/v) and the co-administration of antivenom with 20 µg/ml venom resulted in concentration-dependent protection against hemolysis. Both the methods resulted in protection against hemolysis at the antivenom concentration of 20% (v/v). However, the inhibition of hemolysis after 24 h was found to be greater for red blood cell suspensions preincubated with antivenom (75% inhibition) than for red blood cell suspensions that were co-administered with antivenom and venom (50% inhibition). Conclusions: The results suggest that the antivenom against H. lepturus venom is useful in inhibiting hemolysis produced by the venom, but the duration of protection is relatively short and appropriate measures need to be taken, depending on the patientsâ clinical progress, to re-administer the antivenom at intervals less than 8 h. This proposed treatment method merits further clinical assessment.
Highlights
Hemolyis of red blood cells is a serious toxic effect commonly found among patients envenomed by Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion
The antivenom protected red blood cell (RBC) from hemolysis for up to 12 h when co-administered with the venom, and for up to 8 h when premixed with RBC suspensions before the addition of venom
Our testing methodology was found to be simpler and more rapid than the methodologies used by Seibert et al, who used an RBC fragility test in hemolymph samples taken from envenomed animals by Lonomia obliqua caterpillars [2]
Summary
Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is a dangerous scorpion found in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and some parts of Africa [1]. Serious concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of the currently available polyvalent scorpion antivenom against this scorpion species, which is the most dangerous in Iran [2]. The information provided by the manufacturer does not provide clear instructions to clinicians as to the optimal dose, or the most effective route or frequency of administration. It was, of interest to elucidate the efficacy and potency of this new antivenom against venom-induced. A Experimental Method for Assessment of Efficacy of the Polyvalent Antivenom hemolytic effects in an in vitro setting
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