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6. From Dengue Fever to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: Unveiling the Role of Micronutrients and Immune Modulators
Erum Amir1, Amtul Quddos Latif5, Shazia Fahmi2, MS Fahmi6, Shayan Zufishan3 and Erum Khan4
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze serum ferritin and Vitamin D levels as predictive indicators for disease severity in Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Study Design: This was cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Clinical Pathology Department of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, from November 2022 to February 2023.
Materials and Methods: This study included 200 individuals, recruited from the Medical OPD’s and Dengue isolation ward with suspected Dengue with and without Warning signs. Serologically confirmed cases with dengue’s clinical profile (fever, arthralgia/myalgia, retro-orbital pain, rashes, gastrointestinal and gingival bleeding and ascites), based on positive NS 1 antigen and Ig M antibody, study population was divided into two groups: Dengue fever and Dengue hemorrhagic fever. Samples of blood were collected from both categories, assessed for Serum Ferritin, Vitamin D and routine laboratory parameters. Data was analyzed by SPSS software Version 23.
Results: The study revealed that fever was the most prevalent clinical manifestation (100%) followed by arthralgia (58%), myalgia ( 65% ), hepatosplenomegaly ( 59% ) ,gastrointestinal bleeding ( 46% ) in dengue with warning signs. Hematocrit (52.32 ±5.51), ferritin (1128.80±1190.73), cholesterol (189.51± 60.45) and low density lipoproteins ( 103.28±31.24) were found on higher edges whereas platelet count ( 47.51±23.19) and Vitamin D (7.92±2.50) levels declines much below the normal reference ranges.
Conclusion: Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D are promising severity markers in dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Key Words: Dengue fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic fever, Ferritin, Vitamin D, Hematocrit, Immune Modulators.