ABSTRACT
According to NVBDCP1 dengue is one of the vector born disease responsible for high morbidity as well as mortality in India. Previous studies have concluded that itching is common among dengue patients and could be a prognostic indicator. Our aim was to study the prevalence of itching as a symptom and its association with platelet count at presentation and discharge.METHODSThis is a cross sectional study conducted among 73 patients of acute febrile illness in MLB Medical College, Jhansi, who were diagnosed to have dengue as per NVBDCP guidelines. We designed a proforma and collected data which was further analysed in detail.RESULTSOut of 73 patients, 15 patients (20.5%) developed itching; mean platelet count was comparable at admission, but at the time of discharge mean platelet count was better in itching group when compared to non-itching group (p value 0.0085). Only 2 patients (13.33%) among itching group required blood/platelet transfusion whereas 9 patients (15.52%) among non-itching group required blood/platelet transfusion.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of itching was significant in dengue patients and was associated with better rate of correction of thrombocytopenia and there was lesser need of platelet/blood transfusion among itching group.