Related Experiment Videos
[Hepatic alterations in patients with dengue]
Yraima Larreal1, Nereida Valero, Jesús Estévez
1Sección de Virología, Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Apartado 23, Maracaibo 4001-A, Venezuela. yraimalarreal@yahoo.com
Investigacion Clinica
|July 9, 2005
Summary
Dengue virus infection can cause liver damage, indicated by elevated liver enzymes (transaminases). This study investigated liver test alterations in Dengue patients, suggesting a need for differential diagnosis with other viral diseases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Dengue virus infection presents with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Hepatitis-like transaminase elevations are reported in Dengue patients, particularly from endemic regions.
- The liver's role in Dengue pathogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate liver function test abnormalities in Dengue patients.
- To correlate these liver test alterations with clinical and serological findings of Dengue.
- To differentiate Dengue-associated hepatic dysfunction from other viral hepatitis.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 62 Dengue patients, assessing clinical features, hematological parameters, serum transaminases (ALT, AST), and bilirubin.
- Significant findings include leucopenia (72.5%), severe thrombocytopenia in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) cases, and prolonged coagulation times.
- Elevated transaminase levels (AST predominant) were observed in 36.8% of Classical Dengue (CD) and 74.4% of DHF patients, indicating significant liver damage.
Impact:
- Results suggest that Dengue virus infection can lead to considerable liver injury.
- Highlights the importance of considering Dengue in the differential diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis.
- Emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of liver function in Dengue patients for accurate diagnosis and management.