A study of the alteration in hematological parameters and liver function test with respect to the severity of dengue fever

Abstract

Background: Dengue is considered to be most common arboviral disease worldwide. Dengue is associated with major changes in haematological profile of patients. Even though liver is not the major target organ, findings such as hepatocellular necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration have been identified in liver biopsy specimens of patients with Dengue and it is reflected by the derangement in liver enzymes. Aims and Objective: To study the alteration in hematological parameters and derangement of liver function test with respect to the severity of dengue fever. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at tertiary health care centre Era’s Lucknow Medical college and Hospital during the dengue outbreak occurring from 2017 to 2019. Results: Of the 324 patients; 228 patients were adjudged to be classical dengue fever whereas 87 belonged to dengue haemorrhagic fever. Mortality rate was 2.8% as all the 9 cases of DSS had fatalities due to multi-organ failure. Out of 321 cases having thrombocytopenia, 162 patients had mild, 108 patients had moderate and remaining 51 patients had severe thrombocytopenia. A statistically significant association was found between the age groups and severity of thrombocytopenia. Also, a significant correlation of degree of thrombocytopenia with the severity of the disease was observed. While performing liver function tests, we found an increase in ALT levels in 237 patients and raised AST in 231 patients. Elevation in both the transaminases showed strong, statistically significant correlation with the severity of liver disease and dengue. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia and raised transaminases are good markers for the assessment of severity of dengue viral infection.

Keywords

• dengue fever
• thrombocytopenia
• liver damage