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Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) in pregnant women can result in adverse maternal or neonatal effects, such as abortion, placental abruption, preterm labor, fetal malformations, and maternal, fetal or neonatal deaths. Despite the high incidence of SBEs in the Brazilian Amazon, there is no literature on the impact of SBEs on pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe clinical epidemiology and outcomes associated with SBEs in women of childbearing age and pregnant women in the state of Amazonas, Western Brazilian Amazon, from 2007 to 2021. Information on the population was obtained from the Reporting Information System (SINAN), Mortality Information System (SIM) and Live Birth Information System (SINASC) for the period from 2007 to 2021. A total of 36,786 SBEs were reported, of which 3,297 (9%) involved women of childbearing age, and 274 (8.3%) involved pregnant women. Severity (7.9% in pregnant versus 8.7% in non-pregnant women) (P = 0.87) and case-fatality (0.4% in pregnant versus 0.3% in non-pregnant women) rates were similar between groups (P = 0.76). Pregnant women who suffered snakebites were at higher risk for fetal death (OR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.74–2.67) and neonatal death (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 2.26–3.40). This study had major limitations related to the completeness of the information on the pregnancy outcomes. Although SBE incidence in pregnant women is low in the Brazilian Amazon, SBEs increased the risk of fetal and neonatal deaths. Author summary: Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) are a health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. In endemic areas, this health problem more frequently involves men engaged in agricultural activities. However, in many areas of the world, women of childbearing age are also very affected by snakebites, as they also actively participate in activities that put them at risk of encountering snakes. In this context, SBEs can occur during pregnancy, with deleterious consequences for both the mother and the fetus or neonate. However, the little that is known about the consequences of SBEs in pregnancy comes from case reports. In this study, we linked the surveillance databases Snakebites Reporting Information System (SINAN), Mortality Information System (SIM) and Live Birth Information System (SINASC) of the state of Amazonas, Western Brazilian Amazon, to gain a more integrative view of the problem in the region. Although severity and case-fatality rates of SBEs were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant women, pregnant women who suffered SBEs were at higher risk for fetal and neonatal deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is the most important arthropod-borne viral infection worldwide. Secondary prevention to reduce mortality through improved clinical case management has substantially lowered the mortality rate for severe dengue during the past two decades. Gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) is a nonspecific finding often associated with more severe cases of dengue infection. This study had the aim to describe the ultrasonographic findings in hospitalized patients with dengue infection from Manaus (in the Western Brazilian Amazon) and to correlate the GBWT with dengue severity, symptoms and laboratorial analysis. Patients from 13–84 years admitted to the emergency department at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD) were enrolled in this study. Patients’ selection occurred during the most recent and huge dengue outbreak within the first semester of 2011. All enrolled subjects were systematically tested in order to rule out other possible etiologies for gallbladder inflammation. Abdominal ultrasound was performed by a single physician through bedside portable equipment and all other clinical and laboratorial information were retrieved from patients’ electronic files. 54 subjects were considered for analysis, with confirmed dengue infection by NS1 and/or RT-PCR positivity. From all enrolled patients, 50 (42.4%) presented GBWT. GBWT was significantly and independently related to: age under 31 years, pregnancy, presence of bleeding, presence of any cavitary effusion, DHF classification and severe dengue classifications. During dengue outbreaks, the GBWT identification through a non-invasive and bedside procedure is a confident marker for prompt recognition of potential severe cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]