Liver Dysfunction in Dengue Fever: A Prospective Study

Liver Dysfunction in Dengue Fever

Abstract

Background: Dengue has emerged as an important arbovirus disease with significant impact on the disease burden in population residing in tropical countries. The virus seems to have some hepatotoxic effects.The aim of this study to rule out extent of liver dysfunction in Dengue fever. Subjects and Methods: A total of ninety six (n=96) serologically confirmed patients who were hospitalised were included in the study. NS1 and IgM anti dengue antibodies using the IgM antibody capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MAC ELISA) for diagnosis of dengue fever were done. Detailed clinical examination was performed on admission, blood sample were collected, and all haematological, coagulation profile and biochemical investigations for renal and hepatic function were studied. Results:The study group consisted of 96 patients with male to female ratio was 2.3:1 and age ranging from 12 to 75 years (27.68 years). Common clinical features were fever (100%), persistent vomiting (79.17%), rash (33.33%) and bleeding manifestation (10.42%) hypotension was observed in 2 patients (2.63%) without involving particular age group. Our study showed that the leucopenia (WBC <4000/?l) wasfound in 58.33% of cases followed by platelet count <1000/?lfound in 35.41% of cases. Among liver function tests hepatomegaly (nontender) was present in  about 58.3% patients and 91% patients had raised transaminase level ,very high >25 times increase was found in 20.8% patients. S. Alkaline Phosphatase was normal in 70% and only 11% patients showed abnormal echotexture on ultrasound. Conclusion: The pattern of hepatic involvement of liver in dengue fever varies as per the severity of disease. In milder case of dengue fever liver function test was normal but there was hepatomegaly was present commonly but in severe form of disease pattern of hepatic involvement varies from tender hepatomegaly to significant increase in liver enzyme.