A new study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of various hematological parameters observed early in the course of dengue, for predicting the clinical outcomes of the illness.

This was a retrospective analysis of records of 613 children, age-range: 26 days to 17 years, admitted in the pediatric in-patient services of an institute in northern India, from 2017-2019. 

Among the subjects enrolled, 29.85% had fever with warning signs while 8.97% developed severe dengue. It was noted that lower values of hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and mean platelet volume variably correlated with numerous clinical outcomes, such as – the duration of hospital stay, development of complications, requirement of transfusion, inotropic support, and mortality. Similar influences on these clinical outcomes were observed with higher values of total leukocyte count (TLC), hematocrit and red cell distribution width. Furthermore, TLC ≥20,000/mL and initial platelet count ≤20,000/mL were significantly associated with mortality.

In inference, it was stated that hematological parameters observed early during dengue infection may predict its clinical outcomes in infected children. Moreover, initially high TLC and low platelet count are potential predictors of shock and fatal outcomes in the course of the disease.

Source: Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2021;54:e05192020. doi:10.1590/0037-8682-0519-2020