Haematological and Clinical Findings Especially Third Space Fluid Accumulation Observed in Major Dengue Outbreaks of Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the bite of female aedes mosquito. It is a flavivirus and belongs to the family of arboviruses. According to WHO estimate about 50 million people are afflicted with dengue each year. The outbreak of dengue fever has serious implications on public health and should be dealt efficiently.

Aims & Objectives: The purpose of this study was to observe the haematological parameters, frequency of third space fluid accumulation (TSFA) and its association with these parameters so that this fatal complication can be detected early to improve patient management.

Place and duration of study: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Haematology Department KEMU, in collaboration with Dengue Unit, Mayo Hospital Lahore between December 2021 to February 2022.

Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Hematology Department King Edward Medical University Lahore. The patients of dengue fever diagnosed on serology were included in our study. The complete blood counts, ALT and third space fluid accumulation on radiological examination was noted in all patients. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and association among the variables was seen.

Results: Total 200 patients were included with mean age 35.03 ± 15 years and male to female ratio of 2.07:1. TSFA was seen in (60) 30% patients, and showed positive correlation with increased hematocrit, low platelet count, increased lymphocyte, and monocyte count. The results were compared with previous outbreaks in 2008 and 2012.

Conclusion: Haematological parameters are helpful in disease monitoring and predicting the development of complications especially third space fluid accumulation which has high mortality rate. Early follow-up of haematological findings with clinical correlation can help to prevent the disease complications and increase overall survival.