Role Of Clinico Haematological Profile In Diagnosis Of Dengue - One Year Hospital Based Observational Study

Abstract

Background and objectives Dengue Fever (DF) is a self - limiting illness which is spread by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Arbovirus is the causative virus.[1] WHO estimates about 50-100 million dengue cases every year. Nearly 300,000 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) are reported with 24,000 deaths every year. Dengue diagnosis mainly depends on NS-1 antigen detection and IgM antibody detection.[2] The aim of this study was to assess the haematological parameters along with clinical features in dengue patients to escalate the screening sensitivity by clinicians in severe cases and to recognize the laboratory markers that may assist in the early diagnosis and prognosis. Methodology This observational study of one year was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi. A total of 120 dengue positive patients confirmed through NS1 antigen were studied from January 2018 to December 2018, correlating clinical, haematological and biochemical findings. Results Majority of the patients were males (66%). The most commonly affected age group was 14-50 years (70%). Out of 120 cases, 94 patients had DF and 26 had dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), none showed signs and symptoms of dengue shock syndrome (DSS). NS1 was the inclusion criteria. IgM was positive in 77.50% patients. 20.8% patients showed both IgG and IgM positivity. With regard to clinical features, fever was present in all the patients, followed by arthralgia, itching, severe myalgia, retro orbital pain, abdominal pain, bleeding manifestations and rash. The main haematological findings in all the patients were thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and raised haematocrit, along with raised liver enzymes. Interpretation and Conclusion It is important to correlate clinical examination with haematological and biochemical profile in dengue patients. Thrombocytopenia, raised haematocrit and raised liver enzymes are very important to monitor dengue cases for early and rapid diagnosis. This would reduce the morbidity and mortality of severe dengue cases.