CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DENGUE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Objective: Dengue fever poses a significant challenge to global health, particularly affecting children in endemic regions. The diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild to severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), complicate its diagnosis and management in pediatric populations. Understanding the clinical nuances is crucial, given the substantial global burden of dengue. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital, aimed to investigate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of dengue fever in pediatric patients aged 6 mo to 16 y. Data collection involved demographic details, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and treatment administered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.0. Results: Among the 100 enrolled pediatric patients, high fever (100%), headache (75%), myalgia (70%), rash (65%), and hemorrhagic manifestations (40%) were prevalent clinical features. Laboratory findings revealed thrombocytopenia in 60% of cases and elevated liver enzymes in 30%. Correlation analyses identified associations between specific symptoms and diagnostic findings, aiding in the recognition of severe cases such as DSS. Conclusion: The study highlights the diverse clinical spectrum of pediatric dengue, emphasizing the importance of vigilant clinical assessment and laboratory testing for timely diagnosis and management. These insights are essential for optimizing patient care and outcomes, particularly in endemic regions.