Comparison of prevalence of dengue maculopathy during two epidemics with differing predominant serotypes

To compare the prevalence of dengue maculopathy among patients hospitalized for dengue fever during a 2007 epidemic with its prevalence during the 2005 epidemic.

Cross-sectional observational study of consecutive patients hospitalized in two general hospitals with dengue fever during the dengue epidemic.

A standard questionnaire on ocular history and symptoms was completed by all patients. Their near and distance vision, Amsler grid test results, and dilated fundal findings were recorded. Biochemical tests included dengue immunoglobulin M results, serum complement 3 level, platelet count, hematocrit, and transaminase levels. The main outcome measure was presence of dengue maculopathy. Risk factors were compared with the data from a 2005 study group. Dengue serotype results were obtained from population sampling.

None of 87 patients who had positive results for dengue immunoglobulin M in the 2007 study group had maculopathy, whereas it was seen in 10% of the 2005 group (P = .002). The patients in the 2005 study group were younger and were more likely to have high transaminase levels. In 2005, the predominant serotype was type 1, and in 2007 it was type 2.

The prevalence of dengue maculopathy, age of clinical disease, and extent of liver damage differs between epidemics with different predominant serotypes.