ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES IN DENGUE FEVER: IMPLICATIONS FOR DISEASE SEVERITY

Wiqas Ahmad; Muhammad Younas; Muhammad Kashif; Muhammad Sajjad; Muhammad Ali; Sidra Ramzan

doi:10.46903/gjms/22.01.1454

ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES IN DENGUE FEVER: IMPLICATIONS FOR DISEASE SEVERITY

Wiqas Ahmad, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Kashif, Muhammad Sajjad, Muhammad Ali, Sidra Ramzan

Abstract

Background: The spectrum of liver dysfunction in dengue fever varies widely. It is important to gain a comprehensive understanding of liver involvement in dengue fever, focusing on the temporal progression of hepatic function abnormalities. The objectives of this study were to analyze the pattern of liver enzyme abnormalities in patients with dengue fever and its association with the severity of the disease.

Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 180 patients diagnosed with dengue fever were included. Liver enzymes were measured. R-value was calculated using the equation R = ALT/ULN) ÷ ( ALP/ULN). The severity of the disease, as measured by a decline in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) or spontaneous bleeding, was correlated with the R factor. IBM SPSS version 24 was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.23±10.433 years. The number of male participants was 134 (74.4%). Mean ±S.D (Standard deviation) for bilirubin and ALT (alanine transaminase) was 1.21 ±0.582mg/dl, 126.98 ±67.88IU/L respectively. The mean R value was 4.01 ±1.43. Severe disease was observed in 79 patients (43.9%). The odds ratio for R-factor (value >4.3) and the likelihood of severe disease was 11.0 (95% CI 5.5-22.3).

Conclusion: Transaminitis and hypoalbuminemia are biochemical markers of severe dengue disease that may be used to detect and monitor hepatic failure. An R-factor value of more than 4.3 increases the likelihood of severe disease.

Keywords

Dengue Fever; Disease Severity; Liver Injury; Transaminitis; Hypoalbuminemia.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/22.01.1454