CLINICAL PROFILE OF DENGUE INFECTION IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP AT SOCIAL SECURITY TEACHING HOSPITAL,LAHORE

Dengue viral infection is a significant tropical disease and have become a major global public health concern. The present study sketches the evolving clinical spectrum of dengue especially highlighting the unusual manifestations. Methodology: Data of 120 suspected dengue fever cases was collected, compiled, and analysed during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in the year 2022 at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Social Security Teaching Hospital, and Lahore. Patients with serological confirmation of dengue infection were classified according to Dengue GCP Guidelines 2020. Clinical parameters were studied. Results: Out of 120 suspected patients with dengue fever enrolled in the study, 48 (40%) had serologically confirmed dengue infection. Out of 120 cases, 68 (56.66%) patients were males and 52(43.33%) were females. 66.66 % patients had classical dengue fever while 33.33% had dengue hemorrhagic fever. DHF grade I/II was seen in 25 % cases and grade III DHF in 8.33% The most common symptoms after fever were vomiting (85.4% ), abdominal pain ( 68.75%), headache (37.5%), rash (20.83%) and itch (16.66%). Hemorrhagic manifestations were observed in 43.75% patients. Atypical manifestations were documented in 4 patients (8.33%) patients. Overall outcome in this study was good with no mortality. Conclusion: Dengue infection has posed a huge burden to the health-care system. Its spectrum ranges from mild self-limiting disease to severe fatal disease. It can have varied and multi-systemic manifestations which can go unnoticed. Pediatricians should have a high index of suspicion for atypical manifestations so revelation of the exact clinical profile is important for patient effective management.