Significance of Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Diagnosed Patients of Dengue infection

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to assess the variation of Total leukocyte count (TLC), Hematocrit (HCT),
platelets, serum albumin, and alanine transaminase (ALT) among patients with different severities of dengue
infections.
Materials & Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted during five months (1st June to 31st October)
of the year 2023. Patients admitted to the dengue ward and diagnosed with dengue viral syndrome, dengue
hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome were included. About three to five milliliters of blood was
collected for hematological and biochemical parameters like TLC, HCT, platelets, serum albumin, and ALT.
The results were retrieved through an automated hematology and chemistry analyzer. The data was analyzed
through SPSS version 25.0.
Results: Out of 134 patients, 52.2% were males and 47.8% were females. The mean age of patients was 44.22+17.87
years. There were 70.9%, 20.1%, and 9.0% of patients who presented with dengue viral syndrome, dengue
hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome respectively. Among total subjects, 69 (51.49%) patients had
leukopenia, 68 (50.74%) patients had increased HCT level, 103 (76.86%) patients had thrombocytopenia, 09
(6.71%) patients had decreased level of serum albumin, and 122 (91.04%) patients have increased ALT levels. A
statistically significant association was found between length hospital stay (days) with TLC (0.002) and dengue
infections (DHF, DVS, and DSS) with platelets (0.012). All other parameters showed non-significant rise or fall.
Conclusion: Hematological parameters such as thrombocytopenia and leukopenia vary according to the severity of
dengue infection. However, no statistically significant difference was found except TLC. Biochemical changes
such as elevated ALT, and decreased serum albumin could serve as predictors of dengue complications but
further studies are required to confirm the finding.