The Clinical And Laboratory Signature Of Dengue Fever: Insights From A Tertiary Care Hospital Study

Abstract

Background: Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that has rapidly spread across various regions, with its global incidence rising significantly in recent decades. Currently, nearly half of the world’s population is at risk. The dengue virus (DENV), mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), both of which can be fatal if not treated appropriately.

Objective: This study was conducted to analyse the clinical and laboratory profiles of adult patients who tested positive for Dengue IgM antibodies and were admitted to the Dhiraj Hospital, Vadodara.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 150 adult patients who tested positive for IgM Dengue Antibodies and were admitted to the hospital. Each patient was clinically evaluated and underwent relevant laboratory investigations. They were monitored daily until discharge.

Results: In this study, the male to female ratio was 1.62:1. The most common symptom was headache, reported in 125 (78.12%) patients. Bleeding manifestations were observed in 30 (18.75%) patients, with melena being the most frequent, occurring in 13 (43.33%) cases. Skin rash, primarily maculopapular and diffuse flushing, was noted in 44 (27.5%) patients. The tourniquet test was positive in 25 (15.62%) patients. Isolated hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were found in 20 (12.5%) and 22 (13.75%) patients, respectively. Ascites and pleural effusion were observed in 20 (12.5%) and 15 (9.37%) patients, respectively. Dengue with DHF/DSS was present in 21 (13.12%) cases. Complications occurred in 25 (15.62%) patients, with the most common being hepatic dysfunction in 15 (9.37%), followed by hypotension in 10 (6.25%) and renal failure in 8 (5%). A hematocrit level >45% was found in 35 (23.33%) patients, and leukopenia (<4000/cumm) was observed in 58 (38.66%) patients. Thrombocytopenia was noted in all patients, with severe cases (<20,000/cumm) observed in some. Elevated serum bilirubin (> 2mg%) was seen in 17 (11.33%) patients.

Conclusion: The younger age group typically presented with classical dengue fever and responded well to conservative treatment, likely due to the early confirmation of the diagnosis and the prompt initiation of therapy.