Evaluation of the hepatic function in dengue patients in Kolkata

Abstract

Indira Bhaskar, Aruna Bhushan, Chittaranjan Maitty

Aim: To evaluate the hepatic functions in dengue virus patients who were admitted in the tertiary care, Kolkata. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 50 patients diagnosed and treated at our institute during an outbreak of dengue infection in Kolkata between July – September 2012. Patients were selected randomly irrespective of all age group and both sex. The diagnosis was established by clinical signs and symptoms,serological tests such as NS1 antigen (ELISA), and IgM level (MAC-ELISA). Results: Out of 50 patients, four had dengue haemorrhagic fever. Forty-two patients had enlarged liver In all these cases platelet count was low, NS1 and IGM were reactive. Liver enzymes such as Alanine transferase (ALT), Aspartate transferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) was increased. Serum Protein levels (Total Protein), Albumin(A), Globulin(G) were less than normal level and A:G was altered, whereas as there was no significant change in serum bilirubin level. After seven days when there was complete recovery and the patient was fit to be discharged, the parameters were repeated and it was found that the values were 2 to 3 times more than the normal. Conclusion: In dengue fever, hepatic dysfunction is commonly found in classic dengue and severe forms. This was noted both in children and adults. Once the treatment of dengue fever was completed and the patients were near normal but the abnormal liver function persisted even after 2 weeks.