Relationship of Leukocyte Count, Platelet Count and Hematocrit Value to Length of Hospitalization of Adult Dengue Fever Patients

Abstract

Dengue fever is a global health challenge especially in high endemic areas such as East Nusa Tenggara, where urbanization, climate change contribute to increased incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the association between hematological parameters platelet count, leukocyte count, and hematocrit value and length of hospitalization in adult dengue patients. This cross-sectional observational study included 69 adult dengue patients admitted to Lendemoripan Christian Hospital from January to March 2024. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling. Patients with ICD-10 codes A90-A91 were included, while patients with blood disorders or chronic liver disease were excluded. Hematological parameters were categorized as follows: platelet count (<100,000/μl, ≥100,000/μl), leukocyte count (<5,000/μl, ≥5,000/μl), and hematocrit value (<45%, ≥45%). Length of hospitalization was classified as <5 days or ≥5 days, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that 56.52% of patients were hospitalized for less than 5 days, while 43.47% were hospitalized for 5 days or more. A significant association was found between hematocrit value and duration of hospitalization (p = 0.017), indicating its predictive potential. However, there was no significant association between platelet count (p = 0.162) or leukocyte count (p = 0.799) and length of hospitalization. These findings have implications suggesting that hematocrit value is a key indicator for predicting length of hospital stay in DHF patients, emphasizing the importance of early hematological evaluation.