Publication: Clinical and Laboratory Presentations in Children Admitted with Dengue Infection
Files
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, presents with a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. This study aims to identify common clinical symptoms and laboratory parameter abnormalities in children with dengue infection.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Patan Hospital over three months. Clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory parameters of seropositive children for dengue were recorded using a structured proforma.
Results: During the study period, dengue fever accounted for 24% (104) of admissions in the children’s ward. Among these, 61% tested positive for the NS1 antigen alone, 21% for both IgM and NS1, and 17% for IgM only. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1, with an average age of 7 years (±4.37). 46.2% (47) had dengue without warning signs, 51.9% (57) had dengue with warning signs, and 1.9% (2) had severe dengue. Fever was present in all cases, with an average duration of 3.88 days. Vomiting, abdominal pain, head ache and epistaxis was present in 31.7%), 27.9%, 20.2%, 16.3% respectively. Hypotension was noted in 7.7% (8) of cases. Laboratory findings showed that 50% had a white blood cell count below 4000, and 54.8% had a platelet count below 150,000, with 12.2% below 50,000. Serial tests indicated elevated hematocrit levels in 35 patients. Most children were hospitalized for 4-6 days, with a mean stay of 4.65 days (±1.90).
Conclusion: Dengue fever is a prevalent infection in children, typically presenting with high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, hypotension, low platelet count, elevated hematocrit, and leucopenia.
Description
Anil Raj Ojha
Associate Professor and Head of Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Archana Nepal
Assistant Professor Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Sucharita Tuladhar
Assistant Professor Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Shailesh Shrestha
Resident Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Firoz Anjum
Assistant Professor Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Grisha Gurung
Medical Officer Department of Paediatrics, Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Keywords
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Children, Clinical profile, Dengue fever, Leucopenia, Thrombocytopenia