DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF DENGUE FEVER

Authors

  • Atiya Mahboob
  • Zafar Iqbal
  • Rabail Javed
  • Azeem Taj
  • Asma Munir
  • Munir Akhtar Saleemi
  • Faryal Yaqub

Abstract

Background: Each year dengue related infections are rising in tropical countries. There is not enoughdata available on dermatological manifestations of dengue fever. This study was conducted toinvestigate prevalence and type of dermatological manifestations of dengue fever (DF), DngueHaemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Methods: A Prospective study wascontacted in Department of Medicine, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from 3rd Oct to 20th Nov 2010.Specific serological tests for DF were done in all 60 patients admitted with suspected diagnosis of DF,DHF or DSS. Forty-eight confirmed cases were evaluated for age, gender, mucocutaneous features andoutcome of the disease. Results: Forty-eight out of 60 patients had positive serology for dengue fever.Male to female ratio was 1.09:1. Their ages ranged 5–68 years with a mean of 31.5±15.2. DF, DHF andDSS were found in 71%, 19% and 10% respectively. Common dermatological presentations were oralmucous membrane congestion (66.67%), generalised morbiliform rash (64.58%) and eye congestion(64.58%). Purpuric spots along with mucous membrane congestion, generalised morbiliform rash andeyes congestion was observed in 20.83%, 12.5% and 6.25% patients respectively. All except onepatient improved clinically. One patient died of respiratory distress and haemorrhage on second day ofadmission. Conclusion: Dermatological features are significantly noticeable in dengue fever patients.These may help us in early diagnosis and better management of patients.Keywords: Dengue fever, Dengue haemorrhagic fever, Dengue shock syndrome, Dermatologicalfeatures

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Published

2012-03-01

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