Clinical profile and outcome of dengue among hospitalized children - a single centre prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world.In India, there is increased proportion of Dengue cases with severe disease. Early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are vital to reduce disease related morbidity and mortality. Objective: To study the clinical profile and outcome of hospitalized dengue fever cases in children during outbreaks. Methods: This is an observational prospective study conducted at tertiary care hospital. All children who presented with clinical features of dengue & dengue serology positive children were included in the study. Results: A total of 185 children diagnosed to have dengue fever were admitted in the hospital during the study period. The cases were classified according to WHO protocol as Dengue without warning sign (48.1%), Dengue with warning signs (27%) and severe dengue (24.8%). All the children had fever as the presenting complaint. The other predominant symptoms observed were vomiting (61.6%), abdominal pain (50.2%), rashes (30.2%), myalgia (24.3%), and bleeding manifestation (16.2%). The other significant findings noted were Hepatomegaly (52.4%), Ascites (47.01%), and pleural effusion (41%). Gallbladder wall thickness (80.4%) was the most common radiological abnormality. Mortality in this study was 1.08%. Conclusion: Children in the age group of 5-15 years were most commonly affected. Fever, Persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, Hepatomegaly, pleural effusion, were predominant presenting symptoms and signs. Early recognition, precise assessment and appropriate treatment with the help of WHO revised classification and management guidelines have reduced the mortality.