The Effect of Dengue Infection Severity on Blood Parameters

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between dengue infection severity, Alanine Aminotransferase levels, and platelet counts. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Akhtar Saeed Medical College-affiliated Farooq Hospital, Tehsil Murree, District Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Oct 2022 to Sep 2023. Methodology: Data from the medical records of individuals admitted to the dengue ward and diagnosed with confirmed dengue fever were evaluated. Demographic data, platelet counts on days 3, 4, and 5, Alanine Aminotransferase levels, and reports of Dengue Shock Syndrome and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Results: Of the 69 participants, 76.8% were men, and most were aged 19–30 years. There was no significant difference in the mean Alanine Aminotransferase levels between the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever positive and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever negative patients (p=0.615). Patients with Dengue Shock Syndrome showed significantly different mean Alanine Aminotransferase levels (p=0.031). When comparing Dengue Shock Syndrome-positive individuals with Dengue Shock Syndrome -negative individuals, platelet counts were considerably lower (p=0.023). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is an important marker for severe dengue fever outcomes, particularly in Dengue Shock Syndrome patients. Although there was no significant difference in Alanine Aminotransferase levels between Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever cases and Dengue Shock Syndrome-positive cases, there was a discernible increase in Dengue Shock Syndrome-positive cases, suggesting that liver function tests may be helpful in anticipating shock.