Unforeseen complications: a case of dengue shock syndrome presenting with multi-organ dysfunction in a subtropical region

• Published in: Tropical Medicine and Health
• Main Authors: Syed Muhammad Owais, Farrukh Ansar, Muhammad Saqib, Khatira Wahid, Khalid Rashid, Hassan Mumtaz
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2023
• Subjects: Severe dengue; Tropical climates; Breast feeding; Postpartum sepsis; Pakistan; Neurological manifestations; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00530-y; https://doaj.org/article/e9666bf490e9406aae3702c3eb3b68d6

Abstract Overview Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is capable of causing a range of serious complications, including fulminant hepatic failure, renal dysfunction, encephalitis, encephalopathy, neuromuscular and ophthalmic disorders, seizures, and cardiomyopathy. Case description This report details the case of a 30-year-old lactating woman with no notable medical history who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of high-grade fever, altered mental status, and seizures. Upon imaging, bilateral infarcts in the thalami and cerebellar hemispheres were observed, consistent with cerebellitis and dengue encephalitis. Patient treatment and outcome The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and received appropriate treatment. Following a critical phase and successful patient stabilization, she was transferred to a high dependency unit for a week before being discharged with recommendations for follow-up care. Conclusion This case illustrates the broad spectrum of complications that can arise as a result of dengue infection and the importance of timely diagnosis and management in improving patient outcomes. Further investigation is required to better understand the mechanisms underlying these complications and to formulate specific guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dengue shock syndrome.