Dengue in pregnancy: an under–reported illness, with special reference to other existing co–infections

Abstract

Establishing diagnosis of dengue infection in pregnancy is important for effective management by the obstetricians particularly the mode of delivery due to the potential risk of hemorrhage for both the mother and the newborn. Co-infections seen in endemic areas may be more common than usually reported.

A retrospective analysis of the symptoms and course of dengue infection during pregnancy

“…The present study found a high incidence of abortion among women in the first (4/6 women) or second (1/2 women) trimester, and a 41% incidence of preterm birth among women diagnosed at an early stage of the third trimester. Thus, the present results are similar to those of Nidhi et al . Notably, no congenital abnormalities have been reported in any of the studies, even when maternal infection occurs in the first trimester …”

“…Thus, the present results are similar to those of Nidhi et al . Notably, no congenital abnormalities have been reported in any of the studies, even when maternal infection occurs in the first trimester …”

“…In the present study, eight of nine women with a platelet count below 50 000 cells/mL required platelet transfusion. By contrast, Nidhi et al . found that only 50% of women with a platelet count below 40 000 cells/mL required platelet transfusion.…”

“…The case series showed a 16.1% frequency of preterm birth. Singla et al . reported a 60% frequency of spontaneous abortion among affected women in the first trimester, a 28.6% frequency of spontaneous abortion in the second trimester, and a 37.5% frequency of preterm delivery for women in the third trimester.…”

“…In a highly endemic area, the risk of exposure is almost 1% for pregnant women . Previous studies suggest that pregnancy does not seem to increase the risk of infection with dengue virus, but dengue fever in pregnancy can have devastating consequences . Premature birth, spontaneous abortion, and several fetal and newborn adverse effects have been attributed to dengue infection .…”