Influence of Dengue Fever on Liver Function as Indicated by Aminotransferase Levels

Background: Dengue fever is a globally prevalent arboviral infection with varied clinical manifestations. Liver involvement is increasingly recognized as a common complication, but its relationship with disease severity remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dengue virus infection on liver function as indicated by aminotransferase levels and to assess their potential as predictors of disease severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 100 serologically confirmed dengue patients admitted to Enam medical college hospital. Patients were classified as having dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) according to WHO criteria. Comprehensive clinical assessment and serial laboratory investigations, including liver function tests, were performed. The severity of liver involvement was classified based on aminotransferase levels: Grade A (normal), Grade B (>1-3× upper limit of normal [ULN]), Grade C (>3-10× ULN), and Grade D (>10× ULN). Results: Out of 100 patients, 54% were male and the average age was 36.7 ± 15.2 years. Among them, 72 had dengue fever (DF) and 28 had dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Liver involvement, indicated by elevated aminotransferase levels, was observed in 85% of patients. The median AST and ALT levels were significantly higher in DHF compared to DF patients (AST: 286 vs. 98 IU/L, p