Presumed Copperhead Snakebite and Antivenom Administration in the Third Trimester.

Snake envenomation during pregnancy is an uncommon emergency with several potential complications associated with the poisoning and its treatment. This case discusses a 27-y-old gravida 3, para 1102 (3 total pregnancies, 1 term birth, 1 premature birth, 0 abortions, 2 living births, twins) at 36 wk gestation who was bitten by a presumed Agkistrodon contortrix (copperhead snake). She had worsening pain and swelling in the right lower limb. Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab was administered. The patient felt significantly better with improvement in swelling. She had a reactive nonstress test and reassuring coagulation studies. She gave birth to a healthy female infant 12 d later. This case supports the use of Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab for venomous snakebites in pregnant patients to prevent possible maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Duke Scholars

Author Matthew Zerden Family Medicine and Community Health, Family Medicine