Spectrum of hepatic dysfunction in dengue epidemic in Rawalpindi Pakistan in 2023

Background: To study the relationship of spectrum of hepatitis dysfunction with other clinical features in Dengue fever. This research article aims to unravel the intricate spectrum of hepatic involvement in individuals afflicted by dengue fever during Dengue epidemic in year 2023. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on adult patients with dengue fever confirmed by NS-1 antigenemia. We recorded clinical features and classified patients into different groups of severity as defined by WHO guidelines. Liver function tests were also done in all cases. Different clinical features were compared amongst patients with mild to moderate and severe hepatitis. Results: There were 235 patients, including 184 (78%) males and 51 (22%) females, out of which 191 (81%) of patients had fever, Rigors and chills 182 (77 %), Vomiting in 115 (49%). Patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever 83 (35%), while dengue shock syndrome was present in 8 (3.40%) of patients. Our study showed statistically significance in terms of hepatic involvement based on its dysfunction and bleeding tendencies with mild / moderate hepatitis (median = 112.15) and severe hepatitis (median = 57.64), p = 0.0001, r= 0.184. Conclusion: This study showed dengue fever has adverse impact on liver parenchyma and hepatic function resulting in a higher level of transaminases. Early intervention and supportive treatment will result in a better outcome. Keywords: Dengue, Hepatitis, Hospital stay