Clinical and Demographic Profile of Pediatric Patients with Dengue Fever Admitted in Three Hospitals in Tagbilaran City

Objective: To determine the epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric patients with laboratory confirmed dengue infection in Bohol. Methodology: This is a retrospective epidemiological study. The charts of children 0-14 years of age who were admitted to Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Ramiro Community Hospital and Medical Mission Group- Cooperative Hospital for laboratory-confirmed dengue disease from January 2010 to December 2012 were reviewed. The age, gender, residence, clinical signs and symptoms, as well as outcome on discharge were noted and tabulated. Frequencies and percentages were computed for nominal data. Results: There were 540 patients enrolled in the study. Results showed that dengue infection was most prevalent in children 4 to 7 years old. Dengue infection was also noted to be more frequent among female children. Tagbilaran City has the highest incidence of dengue disease in the province. Hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, vomiting and headache were the most common signs and symptoms. Most of the patients had either Classical Dengue Fever or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Grade I. All patients with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Grade IV died. Conclusion: Among patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue infection in Bohol, the highest proportion was noted among children 4 to 7 years old. Females were more often afflicted with dengue than males. Coastal towns had higher incidence of dengue compared to inland towns. The most common signs and symptoms on admission were hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, vomiting and headache. Majority of children with dengue had either Classical Dengue Fever or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Grade I. All patients with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Grade IV died.