Farhan Fazal1, Sangram Biradar2
Dengue is a major health problem in many parts of India and Gulbarga (North Karnataka) was previously not a known endemic area for dengue. Infection with dengue virus can cause a spectrum of three clinical syndromes, classic dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The present study was undertaken to determine the disease profile of dengue virus infection in hospitalized patients.
METHODS AND MATERIAL: One hundred patients admitted in Basaveshwar Teaching and General hospital with fever more than 38.5 degree Celsius and IgM dengue positive were selected. They were followed from the onset of fever to twelve days or till they are recovered according to WHO discharge criteria whichever is earlier. They underwent relevant investigations to identify specific organ dysfunction and categorize them into the spectrum of Dengue fever in accordance to WHO criteria.
RESULTS: Out of 100 cases in this study 70 cases belongs to DF, 23 cases to DHF and 7 cases to DSS based on WHO criteria. All the cases had fever (100%). Other common symptoms noted were myalgia (61%), joint pain (54%), headache (66%), vomiting (55%), pain abdomen (48%), rash (41%), hepatomegaly (20%), bleeding (21%) and shock (8%). Hess test was positive in 24% patients. Low platelet count of less than 100, 000/cu mm according to WHO criteria was present in 73% patients. Deranged liver function test and renal parameters were seen in 26 and 8 patients respectively. Mortality documented was 7 patients due to delayed presentation. The average duration of hospital stay was 4.65 days
CONCLUSION: Dengue fever was a more common manifestation than DHF or DSS. During aepidemic, dengue should be strongly considered on the differential diagnosis of any patient with fever. The treatment of dengue is mainly fluid management and supportive. Early recognition and management of alarm symptoms is the key to better outcome.
