A Study of Prognostic Markers for Dengue Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Early diagnosis and prognostication of infections such as dengue are crucial for better patient outcomes, as they help predict the likelihood of patients developing severe dengue, allowing more comprehensive patient triage and therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to determine clinical, laboratory, and radiological factors predicting prognosis in dengue infection. Methods: This prospective observational study included 250 patients seropositive for dengue. They were classified into dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS); and evaluated both on admission and at the end of their hospital course, the latter was performed for factors responsible for the progression of dengue to severe dengue. Data were statistically analyzed using R 3.6.1, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Final diagnosis correlated significantly with systolic blood pressure (P=0.004), lowest platelet count (P<0.001), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (P=0.001), urine protein (P<0.001), urine red blood cells (P<0.001), pleural effusion (P=0.0064), serositis (P<0.001), vomiting (P<0.001), rash (P<0.001), restlessness (P<0.001), and bleeding manifestations (P<0.001). Conclusion: The prognosis of dengue is significantly associated with blood pressure, lowest platelet count, serum transaminases, serum creatinine, proteinuria, hematuria, pleural effusion, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rash, restlessness, serositis, and bleeding manifestations. Monitoring these parameters is useful for the effective management of dengue.