Clinical and Biochemical Findings in Confirmed Pediatric Dengue Cases in Delhi

The clinical presentations of dengue fever range from mild viral fever to life-threatening manifestations that may be typical or atypical. With the World Health Organization recommending new guidelines for the diagnosis of dengue, it becomes necessary to document clinical spectrum for classification and setting priorities. Therefore, a study was undertaken to document clinical and biochemical profile and outcome in dengue-positive pediatric patients. Records were retrieved from August to November 2015 in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Out of 188 dengue-positive patients enrolled, 61.1% were males. Mortality rate was 1%. Apart from the classic triad of fever, vomiting and abdominal pain, there were some atypical presentations, including febrile seizure (5.8%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (3%). Myalgia was rare in the severe form of the disease. On laboratory investigation, anemia (75%) and thrombocytopenia (73%) were most common findings. Platelet counts were significantly lower in severe dengue than in other types.