Study of clinical, biochemical and hematological profile of dengue fever in southern Odisha with special reference to platelet parameters and its prognostic value.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical profile, biochemical and haematological parameters of patients with Dengue fever and evaluate the prognostic value of the platelet parameters in the recovery of the patients. METHODS: Data of IPD patients with an established diagnosis of Dengue fever were collected. Seventy-two patients underwent a clinical and haematological evaluation, and values were analysed according to the study’s objectives. RESULTS: The total sample of Dengue fever patients ( n=72 ) included 46 males and 26 females, with the majority of patients above 30 years of age ( males=31, females=15 ). The clinical profile of all patients was taken, viz., age distribution, residence status, duration of fever ( < 3 days & > 3 days ). Majority of patients had chills and rigor (M=40,F=26), myalgia ( M=36, F=21 ), nausea and vomiting ( M=31, F=15 ), joint pain ( M=43, F=25 ) and headache ( M=45, F=26 ). Bleeding manifestations and other systemic involvements were less likely to be seen. Laboratory investigations were conducted to detect Dengue virus infection and other relevant infections. Requirement for transfusion,viz.,blood ( M=6, F=5 ), platelet ( M=21, F=14 ) with more number of platelet units requirement seen in males ( n=21 ). Haematological parameters profile revealed substantial improvement in platelet-related parameters and platelet indices (increase in TPC ( p