DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an arboviral infection caused by four dengue virus serotypes (DENV 1–4), with a global incidence that disproportionately affects tropical and subtropical regions. Despite a significant disease burden in Pakistan, local data on the hematological and biochemical profiles of different dengue categories is limited and not generating reliable evidence for clinical decision making.
Objective: To evaluate differences in clinical features, hematological indices, and biochemical parameters across classic dengue (CD), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and severe dengue (SD) and to corelate findings with severity of disease.
Method: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2022, at three tertiary care military hospitals in Pakistan. 131 inpatients aged 14 years or older with confirmed dengue infection via NS1 antigen or serology, who presented within 72 hours of fever onset were eligible and included in the study. Systemic diseases and concurrent infections were excluded. Data were collected using a standardized tool capturing clinical features and laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, total leukocyte count). Data were analyzed with SPSS v24.0, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests (chi-square, one-way ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level.
Results: Of the 131 patients (62% male, 38% female), the highest frequency seen in the 15–30-year age group. Platelet count emerged as a significant marker of severity, with SD cases showing the lowest mean platelet counts (p<0.001). Leukopenia was observed in 84% of cases, though hemoglobin and hematocrit largely remained within normal limits across all dengue categories. DHF cases demonstrated the highest frequency of bleeding manifestations (10%). No mortality was recorded in the study population.
Conclusion: The study elucidated distinct hematological, clinical and biochemical profiles across dengue categories. The platelet count proved to be a reliable, low-cost marker for early severity grading, complemented by the consistent presence of leukopenia. These findings provide local data to refine triage and management protocols, addressing a significant gap in the diagnostic approach to dengue in Pakistan’s resource-constrained healthcare settings.