CLINICAL PROFILE OF DENGUE IN CHILDREN ADMITTED TO A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Dengue is a major arboviral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, with signicant morbidity and mortality in children. Despite preventive measures, India continues to face a heavy dengue burden. Aim: To study the clinical prole and outcome of dengue fever in children admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Nirmal Hospital, Surat, from August 2020 to March 2022. Ninety-one paediatric patients (1 month–18 years) with serologically conrmed dengue were enrolled. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, complications, and outcomes were analysed. Results: The mean age was 8.6±4.7 years; 69.2% were male. Maximum cases occurred in the 5–10 years age group. Fever was universal, followed by abdominal pain (51.6%), vomiting (49.5%), myalgia (15.4%), and headache (9.9%). Hepatomegaly (42.9%) and ascites (17.6%) were common ndings. Raised haematocrit was observed in 47 patients, while 25 had leukopenia and 56 developed thrombocytopenia. Majority received crystalloids (98.9%); 9.9% required colloids, 11% oxygen, 2.2% ventilatory support, and 3.3% blood transfusion. Complications included ARDS (5.5%), encephalopathy (4.4%), hepatic injury (4.4%), and shock (3.3%). Most patients recovered (94.5% discharged), while mortality was 1.1%. Conclusion: Dengue in children predominantly presents with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. Early diagnosis, categorization, and timely supportive management are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality