Citation

Ghosh N, Henderson JA, Kim HG, Ancar FM. Obstet. Gynecol. 2018; 132(3): 682-686.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Amarillo, Texas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/AOG.0000000000002783

PMID

30095759

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Snakebites in pregnancy can be life-threatening to both the mother and fetus as a result of inflammatory and toxic properties of the venom. Prompt medical treatment is critical to prevent adverse consequences. CASE: A 26-year-old woman at 37 6/7 weeks of gestation was bitten by a rattlesnake on the right middle finger, resulting in severe pain radiating up to the upper arm and swelling involving the entire hand. A total of 18 vials of crotalidae polyvalent immune fab was administered over 11 hours. Three days after the incident, the patient delivered a healthy neonate vaginally and without complications. Both mother and newborn were well at 1-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Our case supports managing snakebites in pregnancy similar to managing cases in nonpregnant individuals, including using crotalidae polyvalent immune fab antivenom.

Language: en