Could Serological Markers of the Dengue Viral Disease Predict the Outcomes in Pregnant South Asian Population?

Abstract

A recent rise in the incidence of a vector borne viral disease, Dengue Disease, in South Asian countries has also shown an impact on the pregnant population in these regions. There are four known Dengue virus serotypes, the predominant ones being DENV- 2 and DENV-3, when present during pregnancy could be associated with complications like preterm birth, maternal mortality and morbidity and adverse neonatal outcomes.[1]. We aimed to study the outcomes in the pregnant patients that presented to our institution with the Dengue disease.  Methods: A 6-month (1/9/2019 – 29/2/2020) study was undertaken during the months of high prevalence of the Dengue disease in our region. Clinical, laboratory, maternal and foetal outcomes were studied among serologically positive dengue mothers treated at MGM Hospital, Aurangabad. A total of 25 patients were found to have Dengue disease during the study period. NS1Ag and IGM serological analysis results were used to achieve diagnosis and early management. 7 patients had symptomatic thrombocytopenia and needed platelet transfusions. Majority of our patients had favourable outcomes. 3 mothers died succumbing to the multiorgan failure. Favourable maternal and foetal outcomes could be achieved with early diagnosis of suspected Dengue disease with both NS1Ag and IGM serological analysis.