Neurological and clinical profiles in dengue patients: A cross-sectional observational study at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is a significant public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions, caused by the dengue virus. The disease presents in various clinical forms, ranging from mild to severe, with potential complications affecting multiple organ systems. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, neurological, hematological, radiological, and ECG findings in patients diagnosed with dengue at a tertiary care hospital.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over one year at Department of General Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The study included 150 patients diagnosed with dengue, confirmed through serological tests (NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibodies). Data collection involved structured proformas documenting demographic details, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and radiological and ECG findings. Neurological symptoms were assessed and categorized. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with chi-square tests to compare findings among different dengue classes.Results: In this study of 150 dengue patients, 48.7% experienced headaches, 4.0% had neck stiffness, 7.3% showed altered sensorium, 2.0% experienced drowsiness, and 3.3% had meningeal signs. Clinically, 84.0% were febrile, 32.0% had pallor, 21.3% had hypotension, and 20.0% showed splenomegaly. Hematologically, 40.7% had platelet counts below 1 lakh/cc mm, 25.3% had leukopenia, 26.6% had elevated SGOT, and 22.0% had elevated SGPT. Radiological and ECG findings revealed 12.0% with pleural effusion, 14.7% with ascites, and 1.3% with abnormal ECGs. These findings highlight the varied and severe manifestations of dengue.Conclusions: The study provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse clinical manifestations of dengue, highlighting significant neurological, hematological, and radiological abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of thorough clinical and laboratory evaluations in dengue patients to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management.