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Delayed Fetal Death Following Electrical Injury in the First Trimester
Author(s) -
Steer Roger G.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1992.tb02858.x
Subject(s) - electrical shock , fetus , medicine , electrocution , pregnancy , pelvis , fetal death , abdomen , obstetrics , surgery , medical emergency , engineering , biology , electrical engineering , genetics
EDITORIAL COMMENT: The editor was recently ‘zapped’ on the back when repairing a fence with his neighbour's electrical contribution not turned off (a foolish venture) ‐ the single wire had a jolt far greater than that usually received from a farmer's fence, which reinforces the point made by the author ‐ keep away from electric fences and especially avoid contact with your head, and of course the pregnant abdomen or pelvis. Summary: A case of possible delayed fetal death following electrical shock in the first trimester is reported. Evidence from the literature of delayed effects of electrical injury later in pregnancy is presented, suggesting that delayed as well as immediate detrimental effects in the first trimester should not be discounted. Perhaps the spectrum of effects of electrical shock on the fetus could be investigated in animal experiments to elucidate the pathogenesis of such injury to the fetus. Electric fences are a possible hazard to pregnant women in rural areas.