Management of a Gaboon Viper bite: a case report.

The Gaboon Viper is an uncommon snake in Rhodesia, occurring naturally only in the Eastern Districts and Chimanimani's in the high rainfall zones. It is regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes in Africa, though there are few recorded cases of Gaboon Viper bite, and fewer instances of survival. But in these instances there has been little monitoring of the effects on the patient of the venom and response to treatment. Recently there have been advances in our knowledge of the toxicology of Gaboon Viper venom particularly in relationship to its anticoagulant properties, its cardiotoxic properties and its effect on the respiratory system. This paper details the course and management of a patient with Gaboon Viper bite in the light of these modern findings.