Placental abruption and intrauterine death following an ant sting

Abstract

The Pachycondyla sennaarensis or Samsum ant Ž . SA , is common in the Arabian Peninsula. Its w x repeated sting can cause fatal anaphylaxis 1 . We describe the first case report in pregnancy. A 21-year-old, para 0, presented at 40 weeks gestation with a pain in her leg and dyspnea following a sting by the SA. Blood pressure was 90r50 mmHg and pulse rate 120 b.p.m. There was a 2-mm erythematous papule on the left foot. Cardiotocography was normal. The leukocytic 9 Ž . count was 18=10 rl with eosinophilia 14% and Ž . mild neutrophilia 83% . Serum levels of total Ž . IgE were increased 327 i.u.rml . Treatment included intravenous administration of fluids, 20 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate and 250 mg of methylprednisolone and an intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml of 1:1000 epinephrine. Her