Clinical and laboratory profile and outcome of dengue cases among children attending a tertiary care hospital of South India

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is an arboviral disease which is endemic in tropical countries and is of major concern with its morbidity and mortality. WHO classified dengue into three categories: undifferentiated fever, dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Severe dengue is also regularly observed during primary infection of infants born to dengue-immune mothers. The objective of present study was to assess the clinical profile, laboratory profile and associated risk factors related to outcome of children less than 15 years of age. The outcome of the children and their management protocols were also assessed in the study.Methods: A prospective cross sectional study with 174 confirmed cases of dengue in children <15 years were enrolled and classified as per WHO guidelines. The demographic data, clinical history, laboratory parameters were noted in a separate questionnaire form. Hematological parameters were noted, chest x-ray, ultra-sonogram in required cases was done and observations noted. Cases were managed as per WHO protocol and risk factors were observed. The outcomes of the cases were noted as discharge or death of the case.Results: A total of 174 children with 149 non-severe dengue and 25 severe dengue cases with 95 males and 79 females were enrolled in the study. 6-10 years was the most common age group. The mean age of children admitted with severe dengue fever was 5.81yrs.and without severe dengue fever was 7yrs.The mean duration of hospitalization was 5.21 days in severe dengue and 3.4 days in non-severe dengue cases. Fever was the most common presenting symptom and hepatomegaly was the common clinical finding in the study. Bleeding manifestations were seen in cases of severe dengue with raised haematocrit levels, raised SGOT levels and severe thrombocytopenia. Pleural effusion and gall bladder wall thickening with ascites was seen in severe dengue cases. Management was by administration of colloids and crystalloids.Conclusions: Dengue is a dreadful fever among pediatric age group which needs to be considered with great caution in management. Understanding the risk factors helps in predicting the mortality which helps in management and better outcome of the fever.