Zainab Umar Alfa
BHR Hospitals , UKPresentation Title:
Case of respiratory distress secondary to influenza infection in pregnancy and its multidisciplinary management
Abstract
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses and remains a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. Although most infections are self-limiting, certain high-risk groups, including pregnant women, are at increased risk of developing severe disease and life-threatening complications such as viral pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), myocarditis, encephalitis, and secondary bacterial infections. Physiological and immunological changes during pregnancy predispose women to more severe influenza infection, often necessitating hospital admission and multidisciplinary management. We present the case of a 25-year-old gravida 3 para 2 woman at 35+6 weeks' gestation with a background of obesity (BMI 37.6 kg/m'), gestational diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy- ınduced hypertension, who presented with severe respiratory distress following an influenza- like illness. She developed acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure requiring emergency resuscitation, antiviral therapy, respiratory support, and multidisciplinary input involving obstetrics, anaesthesia, microbiology, and intensive care specialists. Persistent fetal tachycardia despite maternal stabilization prompted expedited delivery by caesarean section. Influenza A infection was subsequently confirmed by viral PCR, and the patient made an excellent clinical recovery following completion of antiviral therapy. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of severe influenza during pregnancy, prompt initiation of antiviral treatment, multidisciplinary management, and timely delivery when maternal or fetal compromise occurs.
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