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DHF in infants, late infants and older children: a comparative study
1Department of Pediatrics, Phetchabun Hospital, Phetchabun, Thailand. prasonkw@thaimail.com
Insights
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in infants and children shows distinct patterns. Older children have higher risks of shock and reinfection, while infants and young children present with more coryza, seizures, and rash.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions.
- Understanding age-specific clinical presentations and outcomes is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies have often grouped pediatric patients, potentially masking age-related differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of dengue hemorrhagic fever in infants, young children, and older children.
- To identify age-specific risk factors and manifestations of DHF.
- To inform tailored treatment and prevention strategies for different pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparative study of 1,924 dengue hemorrhagic fever patients aged 0-14 years.
- Patients were categorized into three groups: infants (0-1 years), young children (1-2 years), and older children (>2-14 years).
- Clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and outcome data were collected and analyzed for statistical differences between groups.
Main Results:
- While most clinical and epidemiological data were similar, older children showed a higher incidence of shock and secondary dengue infections.
- Infants exhibited significantly lower minimum platelet counts compared to older children.
- Coryza, seizures, nausea/vomiting, rash, and petechiae were more prevalent in infants and young children than in older children.
Conclusions:
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever presents differently across pediatric age groups, with infants and young children experiencing distinct symptoms.
- Age-specific differences in clinical presentation and laboratory findings, such as platelet counts, necessitate tailored clinical approaches.
- Further research into age-stratified DHF management and risk factors is warranted.
Abstract:
A comparative study of dengue hemorrhagic fever in infants and children was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Phetchabun Hospital between May,1999 and December, 2002. There were 1,924 DHF patients (aged 0-14 years). There were 40 (2.1%) infants (age 0-l years) and 27 (1.4%) young children (age 1-2 years). Sixty-seven cases (3.5%) of the older children (> 2-14 years) were selected to be compared. The clinical and epidemiological data for each of the three groups were not statistically different from each other, except for age, splenomegaly, shock state and mode of dengue infection. Older children were more likely to have a second dengue infection and a shock state than younger patients. Laboratory investigation results and fluid management for each of the three groups were not significantly different from each other except for the total WBC (min), neutrophils (max), lymphocytes (max) and platelets (min). The platelets (min) in the infants were significantly lower than in the younger children and the older children. Associated symptoms, diseases, complications, and hematologic manifestations in each of the three groups were not significantly different from each other except for the presence of coryza, seizures, nausea/vomiting, rash, and petichiae. Coryza, seizures, nausea/vomiting, rash, and petichiae in the infants and younger children were significantly different from the older children.
