Envenoming after carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) bite during pregnancy: timely use of effective antivenom improves maternal and foetal outcomes

Trop Med Int Health. 2008 Sep;13(9):1172-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02122.x. Epub 2008 Jul 8.

Abstract

The report describes successful management of 10 women in 2nd and 3rd pregnancy trimesters with EchiTab IgG antivenom after carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) envenoming. All women survived but foetal loss in a victim with delayed presentation and a case of mild hypersensitivity reaction were recorded. Excellent outcomes can be achieved in rural and semi-nomadic populations without specialized care and immediate access and provision of effective antivenoms is paramount in curtailing snakebite maternal morbidity, mortality and foetal loss.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antivenins / administration & dosage*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / prevention & control*
  • Health Services Accessibility / standards*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / mortality
  • Rural Health
  • Snake Bites / drug therapy*
  • Snake Bites / mortality
  • Time Factors
  • Viper Venoms / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Viper Venoms / poisoning*

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Viper Venoms