Low mortality during 2008 outbreak of dengue in Delhi, India: a clinicobiochemical study

Abstract

Dengue has become a yearly phenomenon in Delhi. Each outbreak is distinct by way of clinical features, morbidity andmortality. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical and biochemical profile of dengue in the 2008 outbreak at a tertiarycare institution in India. We analysed the medical records of all cases diagnosed as dengue fever during the period of July2008 to December 2008 in a tertiary care hospital. The study consisted of 103 patients - 63% patients were males. The meanage was 22 years. One third of patients had some cutaneous manifestation. 30 patients had hepatomegaly and 8 hadsplenomegaly. Of uncommon features 2 patients had seizures, 1 had polyserositis and one had acute hepatic failure. RaisedSGPT (>60 U/L) was seen in 60% cases. 23 patients had a platelet count of less than 20,000/mm3. There were no deaths. Thepresent outbreak primarily involved the economically productive age group. The current outbreak was characterised byhigh rate of hepatic involvement.