Snakebite During Pregnancy: A Literature Review

Abstract

Although rare, venomous bites and stings during pregnancy may have a significant adverse effect on the fetus as well as the mother.

Accidents With Poisonous Animals in Brazil by Age and Sex

“…22 Pregnant women accounted for 0.5% (about 150 cases per year) of victims of snakebites; this value is within the observed frequency (0.4% to 1.8%) found in other studies conducted in South Africa, India and Sri Lanka. 23 Despite this low frequency of cases, pregnancy had higher mortality (1.33%) compared to the overall lethality in women (0.39%).…”

“…In addition to the increased death rate of pregnant victims of snakebites, there is also a possibility of obstetric complications and risk to the foetus (vaginal bleeding, uterine contraction, threatened abortion, decrease in foetal movements and foetal death), 23,24 which requires special attention for these patients.…”

A rare case of pregnancy complicated by snake bite

“…4 Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain fetal death or abortions after snake bite, due to fetal anoxia because of:  Maternal shock because of fear  Direct effect of venom  Haemorrhages into placenta and uterine wall causing abruptio placentae due to coagulopathy.  Venom induced preterm labour  Pyrexia  Cytokine release  Venom may act directly on uterine muscle or may act indirectly by causing release or potentiating the effect of bradykinins on uterine muscles.…”

Timely use of anti-snake venom improves maternal and fetal outcome: a case report

“…Previous literature reviews found overall fetal deaths ranging from 38% to 43% with maternal deaths of approximately 10% after a venomous snakebite. 2,3 Antivenoms used for the treatment of snakebite to the mother can cause anaphylactic reactions that may have an adverse effect on the mother as well as fetus. The fetal death rate has been reported to be high up to 55-58% in mothers injected with antivenom.…”

“…The fetal death rate has been reported to be high up to 55-58% in mothers injected with antivenom. 2,3 To get some insight into this problem, we present a case of snake bite during the second trimester of pregnancy presented to the casualty of Government Medical College, Latur.…”