SEVERE DENGUE IN PREGNANT WOMEN.

Over half of the world's population lives in areas at risk of dengue infection with 70% of overall disease burden in Asia. A shifting in age group of dengue patients towards adulthood has been widely seen in Asia. This will affect an increase in incidence of dengue infection in childbearing age and pregnant women. Two cases of severe dengue in pregnant women admitted to Photharam Hospital, Ratchaburi, Thailand were described. Both of them had dengue shock syndrome with organopathy involving the central nervous system with alteration of consciousness in one. They had uneventful recoveries following intensive care. This report emphasizes the hazards of dengue infection in pregnant women, which needs special consideration. Early recognition with careful monitoring and symptomatic management are the key factors in a favorable outcome for a dengue patient.