Clinical profile of dengue fever in children presented at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is a benign syndrome caused by an arthropod-borne virus and is characterized by Biphasic fever, myalgia, and arthralgia, rash, leucopenia, and lymphadenopathy. Dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are a severe, often fatal febrile disease caused by 1 of 4 dengue virus. It is characterized by increased capillary permeability, abnormalities of hemostasis and protein-losing shock syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile, complications and outcome of dengue infection in children.Methods: All children attending the hospital with symptoms and signs suggestive of dengue fever were tested for NS1 antigen and IgM/ IgG dengue antibody serology (depending on the day of fever) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.Results: Of the 174-dengue serology positive children, fever was the most common major symptom (97.7%) followed by vomiting (85.6%), loss of appetite (81.6%), abdominal pain (77%), body pain/leg pain (62.6%). Severe dengue as per WHO criteria was seen in 29 (16.7%) children. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count less 1,00,000) was observed in 82 children (47%), Platelet count less than 20,000 in 8 children (4.5%). Dengue shock syndrome was seen it 26 children (15%). Mortality was nil.Conclusions: In children, if symptoms like fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and body pain are present, a strong possibility of dengue fever is present especially in an epidemic setting. Early suspicion and effective management can reduce the severity.