Thrombocytopenia Developing After Centipede Bite

Abstract

Centipede bites have been reported rarely in humans. The mechanism of centipede toxin is not fully understood. Skin reactions develop more in centipede bites. In this text, we will present a case that developed thrombocytopenia after a centipede bite. An 18-month old female infant was bitten on the back of the right hand and the right side of the forehead. She applied to the emergency department with the complaint of redness and swelling that started in the morning hours after the bite. The vital signs of the patient were stable. The patient had no systemic complaints. The patient's laboratory tests, PLT was 28,000 K/UL were determined. During follow-up of the patient, bleeding symptoms developed associated with thrombocytopenia. The follow-up examination 10 days later, thrombocyte count was determined as 302,000 in the full blood count. Centipede bites are not greatly reported and the actual incidence is undoubtedly higher than assumed. Although the majority spontaneously recover with only simple local reactions that have formed, they can lead to serious complications such as acute myocardial infarcts, acute coronary ischemia, acute renal damage, anaphylaxis, or thrombocytopenia. Therefore, following a centipede bite, patients must be evaluated carefully and attention must be paid in respect of complications.

Keywords

• centipede
• thrombocytopenia
• child