Degree of Impairment of Liver Function in Dengue Fever Correlates to the Severity of its Complications.

ABSTRACT

Background: Dengue fever with its severe manifestations, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) has emerged as a major public health problem of international concern. Dengue, presenting as dengue fever (DF) or DHF or DSS, also has some effect on liver function. This study was conducted to find out the impact of dengue on liver function and correlation between clinical manifestation of dengue fever and degree of liver injury. Materials and methods: This prospective randomized study was done on 200 outpatient department/inpatient department (OPD/IPD) patients in age group of 12 to 60 years including both sexes who confirm to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Investigation included measurements of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) and creatinine. Degree of liver involvement was classified in four groups. Results Out of 200 cases, 181 (90.5%) were diagnosed as dengue fever, nine (4.5%) as DHF, five (2.5%) as DSS, five (2.5%) as hepato-renal involvement; 24 (12.0%) had grade 0 liver injury, 126 (63.0%) had grade 1 liver injury, 34 (17%) had grade 2 liver injury, 10 (5.0%) had grade 3 liver injury and six (3.0%) had grade 4 liver injury. Conclusion: Mild elevation of the liver enzymes is a common feature of dengue infection. There is high relation between the degree of liver damage and the appearance of the complications.