A retrospective analysis on various clinical outcomes of dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital

Dengue is a vector-borne illness caused by dengue virus-infected female Aedes mosquitoes. The main viral strains are DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 and DEN4. Various clinical manifestations are seen as the disease progresses. This observational study was conducted at tertiary care hospitals in and around Mangalore from 2015 to 2019, and included confirmed cases of dengue using immunological studies. Various clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were recorded and assessed statistically. Dengue was more common in young males (58.9%). Common presentations were fever with headache (94%), hypotension and abdominal pain (15%). Thrombocytopenia (88.4%) and leucopenia (48.3%) were the most common cytological findings. Deranged liver function tests (39.1%) with hyponatremia (35.3%) and low bicarbonate (78.3%) were also seen. Cavitary effusion was seen in 67% of patients with complications. Myocarditis was seen in 2%. Dengue is an easily preventable vector-borne disease, however, its complications can be fatal. Especially in endemic areas, early diagnosis of the disease using clinical, laboratory and radiological assessment is necessary to avoid confusing dengue with other infections due to common symptoms, and for preventing complications.