Hemorrhagic shock due to hirudotherapy made with uncontrolled multiple leech bites

Abstract

Hirudotherapy is a alternative treatment method using leeches. It is especially used for the treatment of pain, sialadenitis, osteoartritis and venous insufficiency. Hirudin which is one of the secreted substances of leeches prevents blood coagulation and causes bleeding. In this paper, we aimed to draw attention to the unconsciously and uncontrolled done hirudotherapy which can become a serious life-threatening health problem. For this purpose, a rare case using warfarin for deep vein thrombosis in his legs and who admitted to emergency department with skin hemorrhages and hemorrhagic shock due to unconsciously done hirudotherapy is presented.

Keywords

• Hemorrhagic shock
• leech bite
• hirudotherapy