Increased Binding of von Willebrand Factor to Sub-Endothelial Collagen May Facilitate Thrombotic Events Complicating Envenomation in Humans.

Consumption coagulopathy and hemorrhagic syndrome exacerbated by blood anticoagulability remain the most important causes of lethality associated with snake envenomation. venom also engages platelet aggregation on the injured endothelium via von Willebrand factor (vWF) interactions. Besides platelet aggregation, some venom toxins may induce qualitative thrombopathy, which has been in part related to the inhibition of vWF activation.