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Snakebite during pregnancy: a literature review
1Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC 27699, USA. rick.langley@ncmail.net
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Venomous snakebites during pregnancy are rare but dangerous, leading to a 4% maternal fatality rate and a 20% fetal loss rate. This review highlights the significant risks associated with snakebites in pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Snakebites are a significant health concern globally.
- Pregnancy presents unique physiological challenges that can alter a woman's response to envenomation.
- Data on the specific impact of venomous snakebites on pregnant women is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review reported cases of venomous snakebites in pregnant women.
- To assess the maternal and fetal outcomes of snakebites during pregnancy.
- To understand the risks associated with venomous snakebites in this population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Medline/PubMed.
- Searched for English-language articles reporting venomous snakebites in pregnant women.
- Included cases reported from 1966 to May 2009.
Main Results:
- A total of 213 cases of venomous snakebites in pregnant women were identified.
- The overall case-fatality rate for pregnant females was approximately 4%.
- The fetal loss rate associated with these snakebites was approximately 20%.
Conclusions:
- Venomous snakebites during pregnancy, though infrequent, pose substantial risks.
- Adverse effects can impact both the mother and the fetus.
- Prompt medical attention and management are crucial for improving outcomes.
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