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Rattlesnake Envenomation in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Niloy Ghosh1, Jonathan A Henderson, Hyunyoung G Kim
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Amarillo, Texas.
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.
