In early July, the woman experienced persistent fever and headaches and was admitted to a local hospital. After 5 days of treatment for influenza A with no improvement, her symptoms worsened. An MRI scan of her brain revealed diffuse lesions, raising concerns about a neurological infection.
She was transferred to the Bach Mai Hospital's Institute of Tropical Medicine. A spinal tap showed elevated cell counts, high protein levels, and low glucose, all characteristic of tuberculosis meningitis. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to drowsiness, altered consciousness, and transfer to the intensive care unit.
Doctors worked to maintain the pregnancy until week 34, but due to low amniotic fluid, an emergency C-section was performed at week 31. Both mother and baby are now stable. This was the woman's third pregnancy, following two unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts.
According to Dr. Nghiem Van Hung from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, tuberculosis meningitis is a dangerous form of tuberculosis with a high risk of death or severe neurological damage if not detected early. The disease is particularly risky during pregnancy due to a weakened immune system.
Tuberculosis remains a leading infectious disease in Vietnam. Experts warn that early symptoms are often nonspecific, such as mild fever, fatigue, and weight loss, which can be easily overlooked. Late diagnosis, especially in high-risk groups like pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems, can have serious consequences.
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The critically ill pregnant woman. Photo: Nguyen Ha |
The critically ill pregnant woman. Photo: Nguyen Ha
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MRI results show scattered white matter lesions in both cerebral hemispheres. Photo: Physician provided |
MRI results show scattered white matter lesions in both cerebral hemispheres. Photo: Physician provided
"If you are in a high-risk group (people living with tuberculosis patients, those undergoing infertility treatment, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems): be proactive in screening for tuberculosis before pregnancy or IVF treatment. Don't ignore symptoms like persistent cough, low-grade fever, weight loss, or chronic headaches," Dr. Hung advised.
Tuberculosis is preventable with the BCG vaccine, but the vaccine cannot completely prevent infection. Early detection and timely treatment remain key to living healthily and safely with the disease.
Le Nga
