Publication:

Application of WHO-2009 guidelines in management of dengue in children and its outcome evaluation

Background Dengue is the commonest mosquito born viral infection. The numbers of dengue cases are increasing in recent days. Though the manifestations of dengue are complex, management is made simple by WHO-2009 guidelines. Many of clinicians are unaware or not sensitized about WHO-2009 guidelines in classification and management of dengue cases.

Methods 143 suspected dengue cases were selected based on presumptive diagnostic criteria and were classified as group A, B and C, and all the patients were treated according to WHO guidelines. 108 cases with positive dengue IgM/IgG were chosen for analysis and rest of the cases were excluded from the study. The ELISA for IgM & IgG was sent on 5th-6th day of fever.

Results 108 dengue IgM/IgG positive cases were selected for the study. They were grouped as Group A (20), Gr B (60), Gr C (28) according to guidelines. Most common associated symptoms were vomiting (60%), pain abdomen (61%), and puffiness of face (58%). Rashes were present in small number of patients (7.4%) and bleeding in 2.7% children. 5% in group A, 6.6% in group B and 17.8% in group C had platelet counts of 35, with maximum of 53.2 belonging to Group C. None of the patient received platelet transfusion. All children recovered well.

Conclusions In the present study we managed all the dengue cases as per guidelines of WHO-2009.  The treatment is cost effective and has very good outcome with less complications. The mortality, morbidity and duration of hospital stay were reduced. The need for iv fluids, blood and blood products were brought down significantly.