Publication:

Pattern of changes in hepatic aminotransferases level during dengue infection in children aged 1-12 years

Background Dengue fever is a pandemic viral disease carried by mosquito-borne flavivirus. Dengue infection is the most common arthropod infection in humans. The study is done with the aim to establish a relation between hepatic dysfunction and outcome in patients with dengue fever. It was found that hepatic transaminases were significantly deranged in dengue with warning signs indicating poor prognosis and need for early initiation of supportive treatment which can reduce mortality and morbidity in these children. Liver function tests can be of profound benefit in indicating the prognosis of children with dengue fever in resource-limited settings.

Methods Cohort prospective observational study in Al-Ameen children hospital over 2 years. Patients aged 1-12 years fulfilling WHO case definition of fever and ≥2 of following: nausea/vomiting, rashes, aches and pains, tourniquet test positive, thrombocytopenia or any warning sign and serologically confirmed NS1Ag positive were studied. Once serologically positive, a blood sample was taken while establishing an intravenous line.

Results Dengue with warning signs and dengue without warning signs were the classifications given to the patient. Both AST and ALT were found to be higher in groups having dengue with warning signs, with AST higher than ALT.

Conclusions In dengue infection, hepatic dysfunction was common. Enzymes were significantly deranged in dengue with warning signs indicating prolonged illness and poor prognosis and need for early initiation of supportive treatment for better outcomes.