Background: Dengue, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is hyperendemic in the Philippines. One of its rare complication is dengue encephalitis, characterized by altered sensorium, elevated liver enzymes, and high dengue-specific antibody titers. Previously known as non-neurotropic, dengue presents with an increasing incidence of neurologic manifestations. Objective: To describe the clinico-demographic profile and outcome of laboratory-confirmed dengue encephalitis patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study that used purposive sampling to describe laboratory-confirmed dengue encephalitis cases aged 0-18 years. The clinico-demographic profiles and outcomes were collected using chart review, and variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 14 laboratory-confirmed cases were reviewed. Most (57%) were males aged 3 days-15 years. Fever lasted 3-11 days. Following nonspecific signs and symptoms, neurological manifestations developed within 1-5 days, the most common being seizures (71%). Majority (57%) had anemia. All, except one, exhibited leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Elevated liver enzymes, bleeding parameter derangements, electrolyte, and glucose imbalances were noted. All were seropositive for dengue IgM, and 5 dengue IgM in the CSF. Most common EEG findings showed generalized slowing. Neuroimaging reports were normal in some or showed cerebral edema in the others. Half of the patients recovered fully, 3 showing partial recovery from neurologic changes, and 3 others had neurologic sequelae. One infant expired. Conclusions and Recommendations: Dengue encephalitis should be considered in patients living in an endemic country, presenting with fever with neurologic changes or elevated liver enzymes, with a risk for developing neurologic sequelae or death.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.