Effects of vitamin E supplementation on the clinical outcome of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever in children

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of vitamin E supplementation on the clinical course of dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 5-12 years old Sri Lankan children. Methods: A triple blinded controlled interventional trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Five to twelve-year-old children with clinically suspected dengue infection within 84 h of onset of fever were randomly allocated to receive an age-adjusted dose of vitamin E or placebo. Standard ward management for DF/DHF was provided for both groups. Clinical, biochemical [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum albumin, serum cholesterol, serum calcium] and haematological [white blood count (WBC), platelets, packed cell volume (PCV)] parameters were monitored regularly throughout the course of the illness. Results: Data of 127 subjects (n = 61 in treatment group) were analysed after they were confirmed of dengue infection. Treatment and placebo groups both were similar. The temporal distribution patterns of WBC, platelets, serum albumin and serum cholesterol were higher, while PCV, serum AST and ALT levels were lower in the treatment group compared to placebo group. PCV on Day 3.5, WBC on Day 6, ALT on Days 4 and 5, AST on Days 3-5 and albumin on day 5 were significantly improved in the treatment group. There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay or occurrence of leaking. However, the duration of leaking was significantly lower in the treatment group. Conclusions: Treatment with vitamin E shows a significant improvement in clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters in children with DF and DHF.