Study on parameters of severity in Dengue infection with both NS1 Antigen and Dengue IgM reactive on the same day, in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata

Abstract

Background: Dengue, an important arboviral disease in the tropics manifests with severe thrombocytopenia and deranged liver function. Detection of both NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM on the same day, during the first few days of fever increases the Dengue diagnostic severity. Therefore this study was conducted to study the changes in platelet count and level of hepatic enzymes along with other biochemical and haematological parameters to predict the severity of Dengue infection in these cases.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata from July 2018 to January 2019 for the simultaneous detection of NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM on the same day of febrile hospitalized patients in the age group of 13 to 60 years. The platelet count and hepatic enzymes along with other biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated for these patients.Results: Of the total 284 blood samples received, 91 patients were Reactive to both NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM on the same day. Their mean age was 34 years, with male preponderance and maximum reactive on the 5th day of fever. Mean platelet count was 50,000 / mcL, SGOT and SGPT levels were raised with a mean of 215.60 units/litre and 152.7 unit/litre respectively.Conclusion: Presence of both NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM on the same day, associated with thrombocytopenia and deranged liver functions are important parameters for predicting disease severity and play a major role in determining the clinical outcome.