A Cross-Sectional Study on Bedside Abdominal Ultrasound Findings as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Tool in Dengue Fever in Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, India.

ABSTRACT

Background Dengue fever poses a significant health burden globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Bedside abdominal ultrasound has emerged as a promising tool for assessing dengue patients, providing real-time imaging of abdominal organs, and aiding clinical decision-making. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 55 adult emergency departments of Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, from March 2017 to March 2018. Adult patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of dengue fever were included. Clinical data, laboratory investigations, and bedside abdominal ultrasound findings were systematically recorded and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results Descriptive statistics revealed characteristic clinical measurements and symptom ratings observed in dengue fever patients. Frequency distributions highlighted common symptoms encountered, while statistical analyses demonstrated significant associations between ultrasonic parameters, disease severity, and outcomes. The study found notable correlations between ultrasonic findings and dengue severity levels, emphasizing the potential of bedside ultrasound as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Conclusion Bedside abdominal ultrasound shows promise as a valuable adjunctive tool in assessing dengue fever patients. The significant associations between ultrasonic parameters and disease severity suggest its utility in risk stratification and guiding clinical management decisions. Incorporating bedside ultrasound into routine practice may improve patient care and outcomes in dengue fever management. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional bedside ultrasound applications in dengue fever diagnosis and prognosis.