Accidental Electric Shock during Pregnancy: Reflection on a Case

Abstract

Objectives Data on fetal effects following accidental electric shock during pregnancy are scarce. We report on a case of accidental maternal electric shock associated with benign fetal arrhythmia in a woman at 28 weeks' gestation.Study Design Case report.Results Although electrocution involving low-voltage, low-frequency current has been associated with fatal cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities, two protective parameters in the present case likely reduced the fetal injury: the dry skin at the site of current entry and the hand-to-hand pathway of current flow.Conclusion Because the pathophysiology of electric injury is altered during pregnancy, assessment of fetal well-being should be prompted no matter how trivial an incident may appear.

A case of atrial fibrillation leading to syncope after an electric injury in a patient with twin pregnancy

“…6 Fetal injuries have been reported to include sudden deaths, cardiac arrhythmias, intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios, and abortion. 7 Several parameters have been proposed to influence the seriousness of fetal effects following maternal electric shock. The characteristics of electricity, magnitude of current and the pathway of current flow both appear to be important determinants of fetal risk during accidental maternal electrocution.…”

“…Besides amniotic fluid transmits current effectively, and this could increase risk of spontaneous abortions and fetal burns or death. 7,8 Purdue et al, recommend cardiac monitoring for patients with loss of consciousness, recorded arrhythmia, abnormal electrocardiogram on admission and arrhythmia in the emergency department. 9 In the treatment of atrial fibrillation in pregnancy, the primary aim should be to restore normal sinus rhythm.…”