A study of abnormal hematological parameters in dengue fever

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dengue fever epidemics pose a serious issue of public health in India. Early clinical features of dengue infection are variable among patients, and initial symptoms are often non-specific resembling any viral illness. Therefore, specific laboratory tests are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. In the present study, we planned to study hematological profile of seropositive (Igm) dengue fever patients. Materials and methods: Total 100 patients with positive serology for dengue infection were studied in detail to evaluate the haematological changes. Case definition of dengue fever was based on W.H.O criteria and confirmed by positive serology to dengue fever. Results: Most common hematological abnormality was thrombocytopenia (92%) followed by leucopoenia (68%) in present study. Raised hematocrit was found in 23 patients. Thromboplastin time was significantly raised in 15 patients. Peripheral smear examination showed atypical lymphocytes in 49 patients, the characteristic findings were plasmacytoid lymphocytes. Conclusion: Dengue fever does not have specific medical therapy hence clinical recovery monitoring is largely dependent on hematological parameters. The study results are relevant in the characterization of evolution of the disease as well as the hematological dynamics involved and can be used as screening tools by physicians to chart early therapeutic response.