Dengue Virus Infection: Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics and the Role of Serum Ferritin as a Biomarker

Background and Objectives: Dengue virus infection is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations from mild febrile illness to severe hemorrhagic fever, dengue poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Serum ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, has been suggested as a potential biomarker for disease severity in dengue infections. This study aims to examine the clinical-epidemiological features of dengue virus infection and to investigate the correlation between serum ferritin levels and disease severity. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Department of General Medicine, J L N Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India for one year involving 100 patients diagnosed with dengue virus infection. Patients were categorized based on disease severity: Dengue Fever (DF), Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Serum ferritin levels were measured on the day of admission and correlated with clinical outcomes. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with severe dengue (DHF and DSS) compared to those with DF (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between serum ferritin levels and the severity of thrombocytopenia (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Additionally, elevated ferritin levels were associated with prolonged hospitalization and higher rates of complications such as bleeding and organ impairment. Multivariate logistic regression identified serum ferritin as an independent predictor of severe dengue (adjusted OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.1-5.6). Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels are significantly associated with the severity of dengue virus infection, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for predicting disease progression. Clinicians should consider serum ferritin levels in the early management and risk stratification of dengue patients to improve outcomes.