The Unseen Victim of Maternal Envenomation: Delayed Presentation, Placental Abruptio, and Fetal Demise at 36 Weeks Gestation Following Echis Ocellatus Bite in a 40 Year Old Multiparous Woman- A Case Report
Abstract:
Background: Snakebite envenomation during pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency, threatening both maternal and fetal survival. Evidence regarding fetal complications following Echis ocellatus envenomation remains limited.
We report the case of a 40-year-old multiparous woman at 36 weeks of gestation following a delayed presentation after an Echis ocellatus bite. Her clinical course was complicated by placental abruption and intrauterine fetal demise.
Conclusion: This case underscores the devastating consequences of snakebite envenomation in late pregnancy when venom-induced coagulopathy may compromise placental integrity and fetal viability and highlights the importance of prompt presentation, early assessment, and multidisciplinary management. Increased awareness among pregnant women and healthcare professionals, particularly in snakebite-endemic regions, is essential to facilitate timely intervention and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
KeyWords:
Echis ocellatus; snakebite envenomation; pregnancy; placental abruption; intrauterine fetal demise; delayed presentation; maternal complications
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