Abstract

WAGENER, M. Haemotoxic snakebite in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A case presenting with haematemesis. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2016, vol.106, n.5, pp.459-460. ISSN 2078-5135.  http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/samj.2016.v106i5.9124.

A 36-year-old man who had been bitten on the left index finger by a snake identified as a boomslang (Dispholidus typus) presented with haematemesis and hypovolaemic shock. Coagulopathy was presumed, and the platelet count was 2 x 10⁹/L. Findings on upper endoscopy included oesophageal petechial haemorrhages, severe haemorrhagic gastritis and an antral ulcer. The patient was successfully managed using freeze-dried plasma, packed red blood cells, isotonic crystalloids and polyvalent antivenom.

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