Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines signatures at different severity of dengue infection.

Context: Dengue disease severity and progression are determined by the host immune response, with both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are key mediators. Aims: To study pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines across dengue severity and as a biomarker for predicting severe dengue infection. Settings and Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 dengue-positive subjects across the 5-60 years age group of either gender in 2022. Methods and Materials: Haematological parameters and blood samples were drawn to measure cytokines IL6, IL-10 and TNF alpha using the ELISA technique. Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA and the Kruskal - Wallis test were used to compare the dependent variables across categories of the dengue spectrum. Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to calculate the predictability of the cytokines as a predictor of severe dengue. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 34.4% of cases had severe dengue infection with 53.2% of severe cases reported in >40 years of age. Only IL-6 levels significantly increased (P < 0.01) across the spectrum of dengue infection across age groups >20 years with a consistent and significant fall in platelet levels (P < 0.01). The accuracy of IL-6 to predict severe dengue was 74.4% and platelet count was 16.2%. Conclusions: Only IL-6 cytokine levels were significantly increased across the spectrum of dengue infection observed in age >20 years and can significantly predict the probability of severe dengue by 74% (sensitivity 81.4%). A significant decrease in platelet values is consistent with the severity but is not a good predictor for severe dengue infection.

Magnesium valproate-induced pedal edema on chronic therapy: A rare adverse drug reaction.

Valproate-related pedal edema is usually regarded as a problem occurring after long-term administration of valproate. Valproate has been a drug of choice for the treatment of generalized or partial seizures as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, bipolar disorder, for the prophylaxis of migraine headache in adults. This case report described patient-acquiring bilateral pedal edema after long-term use of magnesium valproate. Discontinuing valproate resulted in rapid improvement of the condition. This adverse reaction to the best of our knowledge is first reported a case of bilateral pedal edema cause by magnesium valproate in low dose. The dose of magnesium valproate was 1200 mg/day. No previous case as reported with the same dose.