Abstract

An Epidemiological Study of Dengue in Children in Kolkata

Author(s): Sunetra Roy, Sandip Sen, Kaushik Hazra

Introduction/Importance (Objectives): To study the epidemiology of dengue with reference to serological, demographic profile, spatio-temporal distribution, course of illness and complication and correlation between clinical and laboratory parameters Methodology (Summary): All children between 1 month-12 years admitted to our hospital with laboratory confirmed dengue during 1 year period (Jan 2016-Dec 2016) were selected. Your contribution (Results): In my study, total number of cases was 107. Majority of patients were of the age group of 1-5 years (47%). There was equal sex distribution of cases in my study. Mortality was only 4%. Most of the patients were from north 24 parganas (62%). Duration of fever was mostly for 6-10 days (69%) & only 40% of cases had the dengue rash. No of cases with bleeding manifestation was 18% which were mostly petechiae 10%. GI symptoms were the commonest manifestation in this study (90%). Shock in the form of hypotension (14%) and oliguria was (5.6%) were taken as criteria of severe dengue. Another manifestation of severe dengue had been presence of neurological symptoms (18% cases). Distribution of cases according to platelet count was those less than 50,000 were 10.2% Cases with leucocyte count majority were between 5000-1000 (59%). Management of Dengue was mainly done with IV Fluids (83%). 97% cases were treated in pediatric wards. The duration of hospital stay was mainly for 5-7 days (57%). There was a strong association between positive Tourniquet tests with bleeding risk. There were significant association between Platelet count & bleeding. Bleeding risk increases with platelet count less than 50000 (around 81%) in our study. DHF is strongly significantly associated with serositis, neurological symptoms like convulsions, drowsiness, and thick oedematous gall bladder. The study emphasizes the need of epidemiological surveillance to monitor trends in dengue distribution, seasonal patterns and circulating serotypes to guide dengue control activities. Implication of research (Conclusion): Kolkata being hyperendemic for dengue infection, but it was not a very severe illness with mortality only 4% and management were mainly done at ward with IV fluids. So, this study emphasizes on the varied clinical presentations and complications for effective and timely management.