Therapeutic plasma exchange in expanded dengue patients having acute liver failure: A case series.

Abstract

Expanded dengue syndrome is a severe form of dengue fever that can cause acute liver failure and patients with this condition have a high mortality rate. This is because it can cause a cytokine storm, Unfortunately, standard treatments are often ineffective. Therapeutic plasma exchange is a procedure that removes cytokines and improves the patient's condition. Our study involved 15 patients with expanded dengue syndrome having acute liver failure, who were not responding to standard therapies. We treated them with plasmapheresis, and 11 of the patients showed significant improvement in liver function and survived. Unfortunately, the remaining four patients died owing to other complications. Early treatment is crucial for the best possible outcome.