Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, notes that many localities are currently experiencing a surge in dengue fever cases. Pregnant women face a higher risk of shock, liver and kidney failure if they contract dengue fever. Their immune systems are naturally weakened during pregnancy, causing hormonal and hemodynamic changes. Here are some potential complications:

Low platelet count

Dengue fever in pregnant women can cause a severe drop in platelet count, leading to blood clotting disorders and continuous bleeding. This can cause vaginal bleeding, internal bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and even life-threatening bleeding. When platelet counts drop too low, the heart has to overwork, increasing the risk of pericardial effusion, myocardial edema, and heart failure. The kidneys are also susceptible to damage due to excessive blood filtration, leading to acute kidney failure. For women in later stages of pregnancy, especially the third trimester, the risk of premature birth, fetal distress, and perinatal death is high if not closely monitored and promptly treated.

Associate Professor Hong is consulting a pregnant woman. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Associate Professor Hong is consulting a pregnant woman. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Elevated liver enzymes

Pregnant women with dengue fever can experience elevated liver enzymes due to the Dengue virus damaging liver cells. Liver inflammation and necrosis cause liver enzymes to rise rapidly, potentially leading to acute liver failure. When liver function declines, the body loses its ability to detoxify, leading to severe blood clotting disorders, massive bleeding, and hepatic coma. In pregnant women, this condition also increases the risk of preeclampsia, eclampsia, fetal distress, and even death.

Fluid accumulation in the pleura, pericardium, and abdomen

Pregnant women may experience plasma leakage from blood vessels, causing fluid accumulation in the pleura, pericardium, and abdomen. Fluid buildup around the lungs causes shortness of breath and oxygen deprivation, while pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, disrupts hemodynamics, and can lead to acute heart failure. Excess abdominal fluid causes bloating, discomfort, and affects placental circulation. If not treated promptly, both mother and fetus are at risk of respiratory and circulatory failure, and even death.

Multiple organ failure

The disease can rapidly progress to multiple organ failure due to plasma leakage, reduced blood perfusion, and damage to microvessels throughout the body. The heart's ability to pump blood weakens, the liver experiences necrosis and enzyme elevation, and the kidneys lose their filtering function, causing acute kidney failure. Pulmonary edema and reduced gas exchange lead to respiratory failure. When multiple organs fail, the risk of blood clotting disorders, shock, coma, and death for both mother and child increases significantly if intensive resuscitation is not provided promptly.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Pregnant women with dengue fever have a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to low platelet counts and blood clotting disorders. The uterus struggles to contract, leading to uncontrolled bleeding, especially in cases of cesarean section or prolonged labor. Severe postpartum hemorrhage can cause hemorrhagic shock, circulatory failure, and pose a life-threatening risk.

To minimize the risk of severe dengue fever, Associate Professor Hong advises pregnant women to closely monitor their symptoms and take preventative measures. Warning signs of disease progression include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, blood in vomit or unusual vaginal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. Never self-medicate with fever reducers, antibiotics, aspirin, or corticosteroids, as these can worsen the condition and harm the fetus.

Pregnant women should actively protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, sleeping under mosquito nets, and using mosquito repellent. Maintain a clean living environment, cover water containers, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Hang Tran