Proposed Protocol for the Focused Analysis of Dengue Fever by Serial Ultrasound in Paediatric Patients: The AEDES Protocol

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is a disease of public health importance, which represents a problem mainly in countries with tropical and subtropical climates. The clinical picture may vary from a mild form to severe manifestations with potential mortality. The pathophysiology of this disease focuses on vascular leakage as a central element, making the assessment of the severity of this condition an essential component in the care of affected patients. In this context, ultrasound emerges as a tool of great relevance, due to its accessibility and ease of execution at the point of patient care, allowing early interventions and prevention of complications. In this sense, we present a Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) protocol for the evaluation of pediatric patients with dengue under the Analysis Focused on Dengue by Serial Ultrasonography (AEDES) strategy. The purpose of this protocol is to establish a comprehensive evaluation sequence that addresses the basic ultrasound windows useful in patients with dengue.