The Pattern of Hematological Abnormalities in NS1 Positive Dengue Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever, caused by a mosquito-borne arbovirus, is characterized by painful febrile symptoms. Hematological abnormalities are frequently observed, especially in patients testing positive for NS1 antigen. NS1 antigen, a protein generated by the dengue virus during acute infection, is detectable in the blood of infected individuals. This study aimed to assess the pattern of hematological abnormalities in NS1-positive dengue patients.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Comilla Medical College, Cumilla, Bangladesh from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 137 dengue patients who tested positive for NS1 were included as study subjects, selected through purposive sampling. Data processing and analysis were conducted using Office tools.

Results: In this study, among our total participants, the mean ±SD hemoglobin was 13.2±1.8 g/dl, hematocrit was 39.4±5.4%, leucocyte count was 7.7±5.8 x10⁹/L, neutrophil count was 5.5±1.3 x10⁹/L, and lymphocyte count was 3.7±1.2 x10⁹/L, all of which were within normal ranges. However, the mean ±SD platelet level was found to be 98.1±58.1 x10⁹/L, which was abnormally lower.

Conclusion: Among NS1-positive dengue patients, hematological assessment reveals normal levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, leucocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Although the mean hematocrit value is typically normal, a significant number of cases show values either higher or lower than the normal range. However, platelet levels are notably lower.

J Com Med Col Teachers Asso July 2024; 28(2): 82-86