Clinical profile of Dengue infection in infants a tertiary teaching hospital experience

Abstract

Background: Dengue viral infection caused by arthropod borne flavivirus has become endemic worldwide. India contributes to a tune of 20% of global burden. The clinical manifestation ranging from benign dengue fever (DF) to life threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/ dengue shock syndrome (DSS), has varied nonspecific features in infants. study was undertaken during our peak dengue season to know the clinical profile and outcome of dengue viral infection in infants.Methods: This is a prospective observational study. All infants with features suggestive/ clinical suspicion of dengue were enrolled with parental consent. Their demographic detail, history, clinical features were collected, categorised and treated according to WHO 2012 dengue guidelines.Results: A total of 86 infants were enrolled. Male female ratio was 2.44:1. Majority of infants were in Category B (63.9%) Fever being the most common presentation, Gastrointestinal and Respiratory symptoms, CNS manifestation like convulsion/ altered sensorium was noticed in 3.4% cases. Majority of cases were in critical phase (80%), recovery phase with fluid overloaded (edema) features were present in 7% cases. Thrombocytopenia was seen in all infants. Infants in Category C needed ionotropes, ventilator support and blood products, whereas those in other two categories did not. Recovery was seen in 94.25% and mortality was 4.6%.Conclusions: This study highlights the varied presentation of dengue in infants and to have a high index of clinical suspicion for dengue in infants presenting with nonspecific symptoms, for effective care of this dynamic disease.