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Pleural effusion in dengue. Karachi perspective.
Kiran Ejaz1, Munawar Khursheed, Ambreen Raza
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, B-82 Block 10, Federal B Area, PO Box 75950, Karachi, Pakistan. drkiranejaz@gmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|January 8, 2011
Summary
Pleural effusion occurred in 16% of dengue patients in Pakistan, often without respiratory symptoms. Chest X-rays were the primary diagnostic tool used by physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Infectious diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Dengue fever is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries.
- Pleural effusion is a known complication of dengue syndrome, but its presentation can vary.
- Understanding diagnostic challenges is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation of pleural effusion in dengue patients in Pakistan.
- To identify diagnostic limitations faced by physicians in a developing country setting.
- To analyze the frequency and characteristics of pleural effusion in dengue.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Records of 663 dengue syndrome patients (January 2005–September 2008) were reviewed.
- Demographic data, symptoms, radiological findings (chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound), and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests.
Main Results:
- Pleural effusion was diagnosed in 50 (16%) of 663 dengue patients.
- A significant proportion (53%) of dengue patients had no respiratory symptoms or clinical suspicion for effusion.
- Right-sided effusion was most common (46%), followed by bilateral (36%) and left-sided (18%).
- Altered hemoconcentration was observed in 88% of patients with effusion, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of pleural effusion in this Pakistani dengue cohort was lower than reported in some other studies.
- Chest X-ray was the predominant radiological modality employed for diagnosing pleural effusion.
- Physician awareness and diagnostic approaches may be influenced by the absence of typical respiratory symptoms in dengue patients.
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