Background: Dengue virus infection has become an increasingly serious threat to public health in Nepal. Detection and/or serotyping of dengue virus has been reported in the past; however, little is known about the critical phase among dengue patients in Nepal.
Methods: Rapid immunochromatographic tests and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) were performed in order to diagnosis dengue fever. Ultrasonographic and chest radiography were used to identify the plasma leakage phase.
Results: Of the total 264 patients with dengue, 8.7% (23/264) were admitted during the critical phase; 82.6% (19/23) of the patients were between 20 and 44 years of age.
Conclusion: Physicians need to be vigilant and attentive to young adult patients with dengue fever.
Keywords: Critical phase; Dengue; Nepal.