Retrospective Analysis of Dengue Fever Outbreak in 2017 - An Observational Study from General Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram

Abstract

Background: Dengue epidemics are a serious public health concern world over. Similar epidemics are reported from various parts of India also. The recent outbreak in Kerala in 2017 had high morbidity. The present study is aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features, clinical profile, laboratory features and outcome in dengue patients.

Materials and Methods: It is a hospital based observational study where retrospective data analysis of patients with dengue during the peak epidemic period (from May 2017 to July 2017) was done.  

Results: Of the 578 patients 277 (47.9%) were males and 301 (52.1%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 37.28 +-15.765.Out of 578 patients, 515 (89.1%) had thrombocytopenia and 522 (90.3%) had raised liver enzymes. Mean haematocrit was 41.44+ 4.18 in males and 37.55+_4.28 in females. Among all patients 225 (38.9%) developed any kind of bleeding manifestations. Out of 578 patients, 510(88.2%) had either NS1Ag or IgM positivity. Of the total MICU admission, 40 had severe dengue with co morbidities. 

Conclusion: In our study significant number of patients had thrombocytopenia and raised liver enzymes but complications and mortality were less. Early recognition of warning signs, prompt intervention, supportive treatment and monitoring can save lives.