Laboratory studies and clinical features in a case of boomslang envenomation.

A case of boomslang (Dispholidus typus) envenomation is reported. Coagulation studies carried out within 2 hours of the patient's being bitten showed unrecordable prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. The fibrinogen and factors V and VIII were severely depleted. Abnormal liver function tests were also documented. These abnormalities were corrected by treatment with specific antivenom. A haemolytic-uraemic syndrome was not observed.