Implications for Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Dengue Fever in Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness, poses a significant global health threat, with millions of cases reported annually. Pregnant women, with their altered immune status, are particularly vulnerable to the complications of dengue infection. This study on the maternal and fetal outcomes of dengue infection during pregnancy aims to comprehensively understand the associated risks, challenges, and potential interventions. Methods & Materials: This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Northern International Medical College Hospital & Al Manar Hospital Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May, 2022 to March, 2023. Eighty-two pregnant patients had laboratory-confirmed dengue virus infection. Among them, 54 and 15 had dengue without and with warning signs respectively, and 13 presented with severe dengue. Four of these patients delivered healthy infants with average birthweights, while one delivered a premature infant with low birthweight. Results: Within ten days following the surgery, patients passed away due to multiple organ failure. Obstetric hemorrhage was observed in five patients, four of whom (30.8%) had severe dengue. Preeclampsia developed in four patients, including two (15.4%) with severe dengue, while eclampsia occurred in one patient (7.7%) with severe dengue. Patients with other two illness categories either did not experience these problems or did so infrequently. Furthermore, there was no correlation between mild dengue and poor newborn outcomes, fetal discomfort. Conclusion: The study shows that a significant incidence of fetal distress, cesarean birth is linked to severe dengue during pregnancy.