Dengue Fever-Induced Hypokalemic Paralysis in a Pregnant Patient: An Uncommon Presentation of a Common Disease

Abstract

Dengue fever is a globally prevalent, viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is becoming increasingly common and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, flu-like symptoms, and circulatory failure. Although it is classified as a non-neurotropic virus, research has suggested that dengue fever can also affect the nervous system and lead to conditions such as myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or hypokalemic paralysis. We describe a case study of a young pregnant female with dengue-associated hypokalemic paralysis, who made a full recovery within 48 hours of receiving potassium supplementation. The case underscores the importance of recognizing and treating neurological complications of dengue fever promptly, particularly in areas where the disease is prevalent.

Keywords: acute hypokalemic paralysis; dengue; dengue fever (df); hypokalemia; other causes of hypokalemia; potassium replenshment; recovery of function.

Figure 1. Normal fetal ultrasound at 26 weeks of gestation

Figure 2. Incidence of neurological complication of dengue fever

PRES: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; GBS: Guillain-Barré syndrome. Graph data [10].