Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase ratio as an early predictor to assess dengue severity

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is a benign syndrome caused by arthropod borne viruses which is transmitted by infective bite of a particular mosquito known as Aedes aegypti, a day time biting mosquito, which is the principal vector of the disease. Although liver is not a major target organ, hepatic dysfunction is well recognised and can be used as an early predictor to assess the dengue severity by looking at the ratio of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels. Studies using SGOT/SGPT ratio to assess severity of dengue were very few, hence the need for the study.Methods: Ratio of SGOT and SGPT is considered as an early predictor to assess severity of dengue in children admitted under department of paediatrics at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore. A total of 100 children aged between 0-15 years were admitted with signs and symptoms of dengue. Informed consent was obtained and detailed history was taken. For all cases, dengue serology rapid and ELISA was done at our hospital. Children positive for NS1, IgM, IgM+ IgG were included in the study and ratio of SGOT/SGPT done at the time of admission was taken and followed up for clinical profile. Results: Children with SGOT/SGPT ratio<1 at the time of admission had lesser duration of hospital stay and complications when compared to children with SGOT/SGPT ratio >1.Conclusions: SGOT/SGPT ratio at the time of admission can be used to predict dengue severity, duration of hospital stay and outcome.