Abstract

Aims This retrospective study evaluates ferritin as a surrogate marker for dengue infection (NS1 and IgM negative stage) as opposed to other febrile illnesses of infective or inflammatory etiology (OFI). Methodology Data of all patients admitted to medical ward and medical ITU during the dengue outbreak were collected. Patients admitted between 5 and 10 days of febrile illness without a diagnosis were included. Patients with NS1 positivity (Days 2–8) and/or positive IgM for dengue (Days 6–10) were considered to be dengue cases and those with other confirmed diagnoses were considered in the OFI group. Ferritin, CRP, TC of WBC, platelet count, SGOT, SGPT, and albumin levels were analysed for both groups. Results We examined 30 cases of clinically and serologically confirmed dengue fever and 22 cases of OFI. Ferritin level in dengue cohort was significantly higher than the OFI group (p < 0.0001). The best cut-off for ferritin level to differentiate dengue from OFI was found to be 1291. The sensitivity at this cut-off is 82.6% and the specificity at this cut-off is 100%. Conclusion Ferritin may serve as a significant marker for differentiating between dengue fever and OFI, in absence of a positive NS1 antigen or a positive IgM antibody for dengue.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.