Role of Serum Calcium Levels as a Biomarker for Dengue Severity and Prognosis: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analytic Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever, a widespread viral infection, poses a significant global health threat with diverse clinical outcomes. Early identification of severe cases is vital for effective intervention and reducing mortality. This study investigates the potential of serum calcium levels as a biomarker for dengue severity, aiming to enhance clinical management strategies. Method: This cross-sectional study spanning six months investigated serum calcium levels as a biomarker for dengue severity and prognosis. Dengue-positive indoor patients over 18 years were included while those with co-morbidities or endocrine conditions were excluded. Data from Medicine wards/MICU patients were categorised into non-severe and severe dengue groups based on WHO classification. Result: The average Calcium level in non-severe Dengue (n=13), was higher (8.68 ± 0.2) compared to severe dengue (n=60) patients (7.25 ± 0.6). Hypocalcemia correlated with elevated haematocrit levels and reduced platelet counts, suggesting a relationship between calcium status and haematological parameters. Warning signs such as plasma leakage and bleeding were also linked to lower calcium levels (p < 0.05). Deceased patients demonstrated notably lower calcium levels (6.1 ±0.7) compared to survivors (7.57 ±0.7). Conclusion: Serum calcium levels show promise as a valuable biomarker for predicting dengue severity. These findings highlight the importance of further research to validate and implement calcium levels as a predictive tool in dengue fever.

Keywords

• Dengue
• viral infection
• Calcaemia
• haematocrit