Dengue Fever in a Sickle Cell-Positive Pregnant Woman: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Infectious Diseases
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Sickle cell disorder is a common inherited condition, particularly in India.
• Pregnancy in sickle cell disease patients presents significant risks to both mother and fetus.
• Dengue fever is endemic in tropical regions and caused by dengue virus serotypes.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old pregnant woman (36 weeks gestation) with sickle cell disease presented with fever, body pains, and chills.
• The patient was diagnosed with dengue fever and received packed red blood cell transfusion and conservative management.
• She subsequently experienced spontaneous preterm labor and delivered a healthy baby girl.

Findings:

• This case represents a rare instance of concurrent sickle cell disease and dengue infection during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy exacerbates sickle cell disease complications due to physiological changes like increased blood volume and viscosity.
• Dengue infection adds further risks, potentially increasing morbidity and mortality in pregnant individuals with sickle cell disease.

Implications:

• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in pregnant patients with sickle cell disease and concurrent infections.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between sickle cell disease, pregnancy, and dengue.
• This case underscores the need for heightened clinical vigilance and tailored care plans for high-risk pregnancies.