Delayed presentation of a snake bite with multiple life threatening complications in third trimester pregnancy successfully managed in resource limited setting: case report

Introduction and importance: Snakebite envenoming is a potentially life-threatening condition and a common public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Envenomation during pregnancy is rare but carries serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Antivenom is the primary treatment; however, its unavailability, along with limited healthcare facilities in developing countries, contributes to significant mortality. In the reported case, we present a 35-year-old woman in her third trimester who developed multiple complications from a snakebite and was managed at our institution. Case presentation: A 35-year-old gravida VI, para V woman was referred from a primary hospital due to the unavailability of an obstetrician, blood products, appropriate diagnostic facilities, and essential medications. She initially presented to the primary hospital with complaints of vaginal bleeding and decreased fetal movement lasting 24 hours. Additionally, the patient reported lightheadedness, easy fatigability, and blurred vision but denied headaches or any abnormal body movements. Conclusion: Although snakebite is a common public health problem, it is often neglected. As with other neglected tropical diseases, estimating the global morbidity, disability, and mortality caused by snakebite envenoming is challenging. The disease is prevalent among individuals in impoverished agricultural and herding communities in low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare is limited and health-seeking behavior may be poor, making this health issue potentially fatal. Snakebite envenomation during pregnancy has severe consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Increasing community awareness, ensuring early admission, close follow-up, and appropriate management through a multidisciplinary approach can improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.