Snake bite poisoning in pregnancy. A review of the literature.
With our 2 cases, there are 30 reported cases in English of snake bite poisoning in pregnancy with some details presented and 20 cases without details, for a total of 50 cases. We reviewed the maternal and fetal outcomes in the 30 cases that had such information. Poisoning by members of the Crotalidae family (rattlesnakes, cotton-mouths [water moccasins] and copperheads) during pregnancy carries with it a fetal wastage rate of 43% and a maternal mortality rate of 10%. Pit viper bites cause a bleeding diathesis from the fact that the venom of these snakes contains a procoagulant that defibrinates the blood and leads to bleeding throughout the body.
Dunnihoo
D R
DR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport.
Rush
B M
BM
Wise
R B
RB
Brooks
G G
GG
Otterson
W N
WN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy
D000997:Antivenins