ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatic involvement in Dengue is known with protean of manifestations ranging from hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes to fulminant hepatic failure. Aim of the study was to study the hepatic manifestations in children with dengue illness.Methods: This is a prospective Study with 60 Patients hospitalized with Dengue infection (Seropositive for Dengue). Dengue Seropositive patients are selected and examined for Hepatomegaly and Jaundice and subjected to complete blood count and Liver function tests were analysed.Results: Of 60 serologically confirmed cases hospitalized with dengue, were classified into (i)(DF), (ii) DHF I (iii) DHF II (iv) DHF III and (v) DHF IV.' In our study, upon 60 seropositive cases were reported at our hospital during the study period of which 18 were DF, 12 were DHF I, 15 were DHFII, 8 were DHF III and 7 were DHF IV respectively. The Hematocrit levels were raised 20% from the baseline in four classes of Dengue and not raised in DF. Most commonly occurred in age group of 5-7 years. Hepatomegaly was the commonest clinical sign seen. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 88% of all cases. Serum total bilirubin was raised in 10% of subjects with severe dengue infection in DHF III and DHF IV. Serum SGOT and SGPT was raised in 63.3% and 56.7% of patients with dengue of all classes including DF respectively. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 75% of patients with dengue fever, 98% with warning signs and 100% in severe dengue.Conclusions: In developing country like India, incidence of dengue outbreaks is increasing. Hepatic involvement of varying degrees have been reported. As hepatic dysfunction in dengue is transient and reversible, early identification of the same would help to reduce life threatening complications. The role of hepato protective drugs in reducing morbidity and mortality should be analysed by further studies.