Bothropic snakebite in preterm pregnancy: Antivenom and clinical outcome in mother and newborn in Cúcuta, Colombia.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Bothropic snakebite in preterm pregnancy: Antivenom and clinical outcome in mother and newborn in Cúcuta, Colombia.
Alternate Title:	Accidente botrópico en embarazo prematuro: administración de antiveneno y desenlace en la madre y el neonato en Cúcuta, Colombia.
Authors:	Pava, Diana Marcela¹, Galindo, Marisol¹ mgalindo@ins.gov.co, Bedoya, Juan Felipe¹, Osorio, Guadalupe², Olivera, Mario Javier³, Ayerbe, Santiago⁴, Gómez, José Leonardo¹, Rubiano, Helver Guiovanni⁵
Source:	Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud. sep2025, Vol. 45 Issue 3, p350-358. 9p.
Subjects:	MEDICAL personnel, INTENSIVE care units, PREGNANT women, RURAL population, FETAL distress
Abstract (English):	Snakebite envenomation remains a neglected public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. It mainly affects rural populations and has a higher incidence in men. Most cases have been reported in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. More than 300 species of snakes have been identified in Colombia, of which around 18% are of medical importance. This fact places the country as the third with the highest number of cases in the region, with 6,231 reported by 2023. Snakebite envenomation in pregnant women is a rare event, and it implies a higher risk of fetal and neonatal death. We report the case of a newborn with neonatal hypoxia and fetal distress, resulting from a cesarean section of a 22-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks of gestation after an ophidian accident involving a bite in the dorsum of her left hand. The newborn was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition and with progressive clinical deterioration. However, following the timely administration of antivenom and mechanical ventilation, the infant showed a remarkable recovery and was discharged after only 12 days of hospitalization. We underline the need to improve the availability of antivenoms and to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems to ensure their effectiveness and safety. In conclusion, this clinical case highlights the importance of an early consultation, the availability and prompt administration of the antivenom, and the expertise of healthcare workers in managing this event in pregnant women and neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish):	Las mordeduras de serpiente son un problema de salud pública desatendido en muchos países tropicales y subtropicales. Afectan principalmente a las poblaciones rurales y se presentan con mayor frecuencia en hombres. La mayoría de los casos se registran en África, Latinoamérica y Asia. En Colombia, se han identificado más de 300 especies de serpientes, de las cuales aproximadamente el 18 % son de importancia médica. Este panorama ubica al país como el tercero con mayor número de casos en la región, con 6.231 reportes durante el 2023. El ofidismo en mujeres gestantes es un evento infrecuente, y se asocia con un mayor riesgo de muerte fetal y neonatal. Se presenta el caso de un neonato con hipoxia y sufrimiento fetal, producto de una cesárea en una mujer de 22 años, primigestante, con feto único de 36 semanas, tras una mordedura de serpiente en el dorso de la mano izquierda. El recién nacido ingresó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos en estado crítico y con signos de deterioro progresivo. No obstante, la administración oportuna del antiveneno y el soporte vital mediante asistencia respiratoria mecánica, se observó una recuperación notable y fue dado de alta después de tan solo 12 días de hospitalización. Este caso resalta la necesidad de optimizar la disponibilidad de antivenenos y fortalecer los sistemas de farmacovigilancia para garantizar su efectividad y seguridad. En conclusión, se destaca la importancia de una atención temprana, y de la disponibilidad y el uso rápido del antiveneno, así como la experiencia y el conocimiento del personal sanitario sobre el manejo de este tipo de eventos en mujeres embarazadas y neonatos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	MedicLatina

Description
Abstract:	Snakebite envenomation remains a neglected public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. It mainly affects rural populations and has a higher incidence in men. Most cases have been reported in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. More than 300 species of snakes have been identified in Colombia, of which around 18% are of medical importance. This fact places the country as the third with the highest number of cases in the region, with 6,231 reported by 2023. Snakebite envenomation in pregnant women is a rare event, and it implies a higher risk of fetal and neonatal death. We report the case of a newborn with neonatal hypoxia and fetal distress, resulting from a cesarean section of a 22-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks of gestation after an ophidian accident involving a bite in the dorsum of her left hand. The newborn was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition and with progressive clinical deterioration. However, following the timely administration of antivenom and mechanical ventilation, the infant showed a remarkable recovery and was discharged after only 12 days of hospitalization. We underline the need to improve the availability of antivenoms and to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems to ensure their effectiveness and safety. In conclusion, this clinical case highlights the importance of an early consultation, the availability and prompt administration of the antivenom, and the expertise of healthcare workers in managing this event in pregnant women and neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	01204157
DOI:	10.7705/biomedica.7595