Abstract
Background: In India, dengue epidemics are becoming more frequent (WHO, 2008). The majority of dengue viral infections are self-limiting, but complications may cause high morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess the clinical profile of the dengue infection in children less than 18 years of age and to evaluate the outcomes of dengue fever from July2015 to June 2016 at Pediatric Department of J.K. Lon Hospital, Government Medical College, Kota the largest tertiary care hospital of southeastern Rajasthan. Results: A total of 107 cases were classified into 81 (75.70%) nonsevere and 26(24.30%) severe dengue cases. The most common age of presentation was above 11 yrs. The mean age of admission was 8.9 yrs. The most common presenting symptom was fever seen in 100% cases and hepatomegaly (22.06%) was the most common physical finding. Elevation in aspartate transaminase (SGOT) was found in 28.03% and thrombocytopenia in 52.30%. The correlation between hepatomegaly and elevated SGOT was significant (value 0.0346). Case fatality rate (CFR) was 0 %. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.2 days. Conclusion: In children, if symptoms like fever, pain, rashes, and vomiting are associated with hepatomegaly and elevated SGOT in context of low platelet count, a strong possibility of dengue fever is present, especially in an epidemic setting. Early suspicion and effective management can reduce the severity.
Highlights
Dengue infection is a major health problem in India
The case fatality rate in patients with complicated or severe dengue infection which consists of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) can be as high as 44% [2,5]
The mean age of hospitalized patients was 8.9 yrs. 64.49% of patients were admitted in the hospital for 4–6 days. 11 children out of 26 severe dengue patients were admitted for more than 6 days
Summary
Dengue infection is a major health problem in India. The first dengue fever in India was reported from Vellore in 1956. According to the WHO the case fatality rate for dengue is high (approx 5%) [1]. The case fatality rate in patients with complicated or severe dengue infection which consists of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) can be as high as 44% [2,5]. The most common presenting symptom was fever seen in 100% cases and hepatomegaly (22.06%) was the most common physical finding. Conclusion: In children, if symptoms like fever, pain, rashes, and vomiting are associated with hepatomegaly and elevated SGOT in context of low platelet count, a strong possibility of dengue fever is present, especially in an epidemic setting.
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