Snakebite in pregnancy: a preliminary study

RESUMO

Worldwide occurrence of envenomation by snakebite in pregnancy is rare according to the medical literature. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of snakebite envenomation cases as well as their obstetrical consequences. Thus, we conducted this study based on the medical records of 157 patients, aged from 13 to 54 years old who had been attended at the "Joao de Barros Barreto" University Hospital from January 1989 to May 1994. These patients presented epidemiological and clinical diagnosis of snakebite envenomation. Of the 157 patients, 8 (5 per cent) were pregnant, 6 of them (75 per cent) were in the first trimester of pregnancy and 2 (25 per cent) in the 2nd trimester. Most of the victims were usually over 18 years old (7 cases, 87.5 per cent). Concerning the severity of the envenomation cases, 5 of them were considered mild accidents. Obstetrical consequences occurred in 3 (37.5 per cent) patients, 2 patients (25 per cent) with moderate manifestations, while 1 (12.5 per cent) presented severe manifestations. Patients developed vaginal bleeding in 3 cases (100 per cent), and uterine contraction, threatened abortion, decreased fetal movements, absence of fetal heartbeat and fetal death in one case (33.35 per cent). Snakebite is not common among pregnant women, since in most cases, these women are homebound. However, the obstetrical consequences are severe and related to severity of the envenomation.