STUDY OF ORGAN SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT IN SEVERE DENGUE FEVER CASES ADMITTED TO A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Objective:1. To study the clinical prole & laboratory diagnostic ndings in severe Dengue fever cases. 2. To compare the pattern of organ involvement with severe Dengue Fever (DF) cases admitted in 2023-2024. Materials and Methods: This Descriptive Longitudinal Study, conducted at a tertiary care center in India, focused on severe dengue cases admitted between January 2023 and May 2024. Group A comprised 54 patients, where detailed history-taking and clinical examinations were performed to evaluate severity and complications. Data analysis encompassed the period from January 2023 to May 2024 for Group A. Comparison was made with Group B, consisting of 53 severe dengue cases from 2021-2022, to assess the pattern of organ involvement using identical inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from patients or relatives, with data collection conducted via structured clinical Performa. Routine and special investigations were carried out, including NS1Ag and IgM Dengue detection using government-supplied kits. Both Group A and Group B showed a male predominance (61% and 68% respectiv Results: ely) and were primarily aged 18 to 30 years (70% and 60% respectively). While presenting symptoms were similar, Group A exhibited higher prevalence of cough, difculty breathing, convulsions, and petechiae. Hemorrhagic manifestations were more frequent in Group A (40%). Thrombocytopenia was universal, with 72% of Group A and 78% of Group B cases having platelet counts below 50,000 /cu mm. Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels were seen in 13% and 6% of Group A cases respectively. Pleural effusion and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were more common in Group A on chest X-ray. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) I was more prevalent in Group B (72%), while DHF II-IV were more common in Group A. Complications such as coagulopathy, acute renal failure, ARDS, and hepatitis were more frequent in Group A. The mortality rate was higher in Group A (9%) compared to Group B (6%). In summary, our study underscores the wide range of Conclusions: symptoms and complications seen in severe dengue cases, from mild fever to life-threatening organ failure. We noted a higher occurrence among young adult males aged 18-30. Between 2023-2024, there was a rise in severe complications such as serositis, thrombocytopenia, and hepatic, respiratory, renal, and neurological issues. Dengue shock syndrome and hemorrhagic fever had notably higher mortality rates during this period, emphasizing the importance of vigilant management to address severe dengue infections effectively