CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF DENGUE INFECTION IN INFANTS IN A RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, SOUTH INDIA

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2018

Dr. Kusuma N, Dr. Krishnappa

Introduction: Dengue viral infection caused by flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquito. Globally 50 million dengue infections are reported

annually and it has been identified as one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases by WHO. The clinical manifestation ranges from benign dengue

fever to life threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever/ dengue shock syndrome. This study was undertaken to know the clinical profile and outcome of

dengue viral infection in infants.

Materials & Methods: This is a Retrospective study carried form July 2016 to June 2017. Infants with serology positive for Dengue Ns1Ag and

IgM and treated as per WHO 2012 guidelines were included in the study. Their demographic detail, history, clinical features were collected,

categorised and processed for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 46 infants were enrolled in the study. Male to female ratio was 1.55:1. Majority of infants were in category B (65.2%). Fever was

the most common presentation (95.6%) followed by Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and CNS manifestation. Thrombocytopenia was seen in all

infants. Supportive care like ionotropes, ventilator support and blood products were required in Severe Dengue infants. Complete recovery after

treatment was noted in 95.6% and mortality was 4.3%.

Conclusion: This study shows a picture of varied clinical features in infants affected with dengue illness with non specific manifestations including

respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations as compared to older children. Early hospitalisation and management as per guidelines helps to

reduce the morbidity & mortality among infants and helps for a better outcome.