Study of clinical and laboratory profile of dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Dengue fever is one of the most common arboviral mediated outbreaks reported with increased prevalence over the last few years with considerable morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to study the clinical and biochemical parameters in dengue fever patients.Methods: Prospective observational study was undertaken among adult patients in a tertiary care hospital. fifty patients were studied and analysed. All patients who were NS1 (Non-Structural Protein 1) antigen or IgM dengue positive were included in the study. Clinical features, haematological and biochemical parameters were noted.Results: Of the 50 patients studied, majority were males (68%). Fever was the major symptom (100%) followed by Body ache (84%), Headache (64%), Retro-orbital pain (52%), Myalgia (48%), conjunctival injection (40%), Itching (40%), abdominal pain (36%), Bradycardia (34%), Rash (30%), pleural effusion and ascites both seen in (28%). Significant derangements in platelet (76%), leucocyte counts (84%) and serum transaminases (58%) were noted.Conclusions: Fever associated with headache, retroorbital pain, erythematous morbilliform rash, conjunctival injection and itching over palms and soles along with thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, elevated liver transaminases should prompt a clinician on the possibility of dengue infection. Platelet transfusions have little role in management of dengue patients unless patients having active bleeding secondary to thrombocytopenia due to dengue fever.