A Study of Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Dengue Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Jocelin Harriate D Almeida¹, Akshaya Kotian² and Ankitha Gururaj Bhat³*
¹M.Sc MLT Hematology & Blood transfusion, Lecturer, Department of MLT, Acharya Institute of Allied Health Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
²M.Sc MLT Hematology & Blood transfusion, Deputy Quality Manager and Asst lab incharge, AJ Hospital and Research Centre, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
³M.Sc MLT Microbiology & Immunology, Lecturer, Department of MLT, Acharya Institute of Allied Health Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: Ankitha Gururaj  Bhat, M.Sc MLT Microbiology & Immunology, Lecturer, Department of MLT, Acharya Institute of Allied Health Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Published: October 16, 2024

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.07.249

View Pdf

Abstract  

Background: Dengue fever has been known for more than a century in the tropical countries. Dengue fever is now the most common cause of arboviral disease in the world, with an estimated annual occurrence of 100 million cases  and a mortality rate of 25,000 per year. Dengue is diagnosed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and detection of NS1 antigen with corresponding IgM, IgG antibodies by Enzyme immunoassay & Immunochromatographic test. These tests are expensive and may not be available in the periphery. So, the routinely performed hematological parameters and correlation with biochemical parameters will aid in the diagnosis of Dengue Fever.

Objective:  To assess the biochemical markers of renal and liver function, and the hematological markers in dengue fever and to assess correlation of biochemical and hematological parameters with severity of dengue fever.

Methods: This was a record - based study. Data of patients (demographic, clinical details) was collected from hospital information system. Hematological parameters: Hematocrit, total blood count, total WBC count, Total RBC count, Platelet count and Biochemical markers of liver function: Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, total protein, albumin, A\G ratio, ALT, AST and ALP was retrieved from laboratory information system. The collected data were analyzed for frequency, percentage and mean± SD.

Results: The study was carried out on a total of 170 participants, including 115(68%) male and 55(32%) females. Hematological findings like reduced platelet count and raised leucocytes were seen in majority of the cases. Biochemical findings like raised AST and ALT were seen.

Conclusion:  Thrombocytopenia, raised total leucocyte count, raised AST and ALT will aid in early diagnosis of Dengue infection. Early recognition and prevention rather than treatment of complications is most important for favourable outcome of the disease.

Keywords: Dengue fever; Thrombocytopenia; Hematological and Biochemical parameters

.