Dengue haemorrhagic fever in adults: a prospective study of 110 cases

Trop Doct. 1999 Jan;29(1):27-30. doi: 10.1177/004947559902900110.

Abstract

One hundred and ten adult patients hospitalized with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) during the recent outbreak in North India were prospectively studied. Of these, 48 (43.6%) were grade I, 40 (36.4%) grade II, 10 (9.1%) grade III and 12 (10.9%) grade IV DHF. Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) was seen in 22 (20%) patients. Fever, headache, myalgias and arthralgias were the common symptoms seen in 100%, 80.9%, 76.2% and 52.3% patients, respectively. Spontaneous bleeding was seen in 62 patients (56.4%) with mucocutaneous bleeding being the most common (46 patients). Gastrointestinal bleeding was seen in 38 (34.5%) patients. In as many as 40 patients, the haemorrhagic manifestations occurred after the fever had come down. Fifty-five patients (50%) required platelet transfusions. Twelve patients died, giving a mortality rate of 10.9% in the present study. Prompt recognition and supportive treatment can be lifesaving.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Severe Dengue / epidemiology*
  • Severe Dengue / mortality
  • Severity of Illness Index