A study of clinical manifestations and complications of dengue fever in medical college hospital

Background: Dengue, the most common arboviral disease worldwide is usually endemic but several epidemics have been recorded. Global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades; about half of the world's population is now at risk. The situation in India is reflected by occurrence of major disease outbreaks from time to time over the last few decades. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to observe the various clinical manifestations and complications of dengue fever. Materials and Methods: Study included 100 patients admitted to medicine ward in medical college hospital for a period of 6 months with symptoms and signs suggestive of dengue fever and those positive for NS1Ag, IgM and IgG dengue antibodies using Rapid strip test. Results: Among 100 patients observed, majority cases were dengue fever (92%) with no mortality, 5% were dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with mortality 20% and 3% were dengue shock syndrome (DSS) with mortality 67%. 71 were males and 29 were females with sex ratio 2.5:1. Maximum patients were in the age group of 18-30years. Most common clinical manifestations were fever (100%), headache (90%), abdominal pain (72%), arthralgia (65%), myalgia (64%), hepatomegaly (52%) and splenomegaly (41%). Thrombocytopenia (84%) is the most common hematological abnormality observed. Among serology positivity, majority were positive for NS1 antigen (81%), followed by IgM antibodies (7%) and mixed positivity (12%). Most common complication observed was hepatic dysfunction (33%). Conclusion: Dengue infection is common viral infection with varying clinical manifestations from region to region and epidemic to epidemic. Even though no specific treatment available for dengue fever but early diagnosis and timely intervention will prevent complications and mortality from dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.