Hina Qayyum, Mahwish Rabia, Shagufta Sohail, Talal Zafar.
Prognosis of Dengue Fever based on Clinical Symptoms and Complete Blood Count in children aged 2-12 years.
Isra Med J Jan ;15(2):51-5.

Objective: We aim to investigate the value of Complete Blood Counts (CBCs) and clinical symptomatology of patients in determining the prognosis of dengue fever in children aged 2-12 years. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Pediatric Department, HBS General Hospital Islamabad, over 3 months period, from 15th November 22, till 15th February 23. Methodology: Patients who tested positive for either NS-1 antigen or dengue IgM antibody were enrolled in study. Demographic details of patients, clinical and hematological parameters, and daily progress of fever, serial CBCs and duration of hospital stay were recorded on a proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.00. Percentages of hematological and clinical parameters, average duration of fever and hospital stay were calculated. Results: Dengue NS-1 antigen was positive in 94% of patients. Fever was seen in 88%, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in 88% and 53% cases respectively. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia improved within 5 days of admission in majority of patients. Average duration of improvement of symptoms and hospital stay was 3.5 days. A weak association between duration of hospital stay and lymphocyte count at admission was observed. Conclusion: Dengue fever is a mild febrile illness in our study population. Thrombocytopenia was seen in majority of patients, yet none of them developed dengue hemorrhagic fever. Clinical symptomatology and complete blood count can act as monitoring tools in these patients. Majority of patients showed improvement in their clinical symptoms and hematological abnormalities within a week time and were discharged with follow up advised.

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