Dengue Infected Patients in Local Population of Lahore

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, dengue fever's demographic characteristics have significantly altered in Pakistan. Different facets of particular epidemics have been covered in small-scale research from around the nation during this time. However, there is a dearth of information on the country's general trend of dengue virus infection. Objectives: To examine liver function test of dengue infected patients, age and gender wise distribution of dengue virus infected patients. Methods: During August-November 2011, patients with clinical presentation of DF, who came to Emergency department of Mayo Hospital Lahore, were included in this study. Total 64 patients were included in this study and LFTs were performed photometrically to see the effect of dengue virus infection on liver of affected patients during early days of infection from 2-7 days. Results: Out of 64 patients, 47 were males and 17 were females. Dengue fever was more common among the age group of 16-25 years and less common among children and older age group. All the patients had low platelet level with 29 patients had complaint of bleeding. Serum raised level of ALT and ALP was observed in some patients. Conclusions: Presently widespread throughout the year with a high frequency in the post-monsoon season, dengue fever is currently endemic in Pakistan. The median patient age for dengue has dropped, and younger patients, particularly men, may be more vulnerable. Total and differential leukocyte counts can assist identify individuals who are at risk for bleeding, and LFTs can show whether dengue virus infection has an impact on the liver.