Mary Raju1 , Blessy Mary Thomas2 , Dahlia Joseph3 , Asha P. Punnoose 4 , Reily Ann Ivan5
BACKGROUND Dengue is considered to be the most common arboviral disease worldwide and one of the most important emerging viral tropical diseases which affects up to 100 million people across the tropical world. Dengue infection is associated with major changes in haematological profile of the patients. Even though the liver is not the major target organ, pathological findings such as hepatocellular necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration have been identified in liver biopsy specimens of patients with Dengue and it is reflected by the derangement in liver enzymes. Our study aims at studying the haematological changes and alterations in liver functions in patients affected by dengue. METHODS A total of 820 serologically confirmed cases of dengue was included in the study during the period June 2016 - December 2017. Demographic details, clinical details and Laboratory investigations such as total count, differential leukocyte count, platelet count, liver function tests were collected from medical records, entered and statistically analysed. RESULTS A total of 820 serologically confirmed cases of dengue were included in the study. 800 patients (97.4%) were classical DF case, 7 (1%) were DHF and 13 (1.6%) were DSS. Our study showed a of M:F ratio of 1:1.04. Dengue infection was associated with major haematologic changes such as leukopenia (56%), and thrombocytopenia (86%). In addition to the haematological changes, the disease is associated with significant alteration in liver function test such as elevation of SGPT and SGOT, hypoalbuminemia and elevation of serum bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that in addition to haematological abnormalities, dengue virus infection is associated with major derangements of liver function such elevated transaminase levels, hypoalbuminemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, raised SGPT and SGOT necessitate further evaluation by testing for dengue in febrile patients in post rainy seasons so that early therapeutic measures can be initiated to reduce the morbidity and mortality.
