Dengue fever presenting as acute liver failure--a case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are significant mosquito-borne viral diseases.
• Global distribution of dengue has expanded to over 100 countries, posing a major public health challenge.
• Dengue presents a wide spectrum of illness, from asymptomatic to severe forms like dengue shock syndrome.

Observation:

• Mild hepatic dysfunction is common in DHF.
• Acute liver failure (ALF) as a presentation of dengue is rare.
• A case of dengue shock syndrome with ALF and hepatic encephalopathy was observed during a Delhi outbreak.

Findings:

• The patient experienced severe dengue shock syndrome.
• The dengue infection led to acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy.
• This case underscores an unusual but severe manifestation of dengue fever.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for dengue to cause severe liver injury, including ALF.
• Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing severe dengue presentations, especially in outbreak settings.
• Contributes to understanding the diverse clinical spectrum of dengue viral infections and their impact on the liver.