Study on electrolyte disturbances in dengue fever in a tertiary care centre

Background: Dengue is a mosquito borne disease of significant morbidity and mortality. Dengue viral infection has been shown to be associated with electrolyte abnormalities and renal dysfunction. It is necessary to have a thorough understanding about electrolyte disturbances in Dengue, so as to predict, diagnose and treat them accordingly. The aim and objective of this study is to study electrolyte disturbances in dengue fever and its correlation with severity of dengue fever.Methods: This study was performed in a tertiary care centre in Bangalore , India. The study was a prosspective observational study. 200 Patients diagnosed with Dengue were enrolled for the study. Patients demographic data, clinical history, electrolyte values were recorded and analysed.Results: In our study majority of patients belonged to 5-12 years age group ie 47%. Fever was found to be the most common presentation in 196 patients (98%) followed by myalgia in 142 patients (71%), headache in 102 patients (51%), skin rash in 43 patients (21.5%). The mean value of serum sodium observed was 133.69 mEq/L and of serum potassium was 3.58 mEq/L and there was positive and significant correlation between difference in serum sodium and potassium levels with severity of dengue fever.Conclusions: Dyselectrolytemia is more common in dengue fever. Serum electrolytes testing early is very important in dengue patients during management so that if abnormalities are found, they can be appropriately managed as some of these abnormalities may lead to increased severity as well as mortality.