Transfusion support in patients with dengue fever

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dengue fever is a growing global health concern with severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• Key disease features include increased capillary permeability, low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), and blood clotting issues (coagulopathy).
• Thrombocytopenia in dengue often necessitates platelet transfusions, but clear guidelines are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and clarify the appropriate use of platelets and other blood components in managing dengue patients.
• To address the challenges faced by blood centers in inventory management during dengue outbreaks due to unclear transfusion protocols.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
• Databases searched included PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.
• Relevant textbooks and journal articles were also reviewed.

Main Results:

• The review highlights the critical role of platelets in managing hemorrhagic manifestations of dengue.
• It addresses the current lack of evidence-based guidelines for transfusion support in dengue.
• Inappropriate blood component utilization and inventory management challenges are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Clear, evidence-based guidelines are needed for transfusion support in dengue fever.
• Standardizing transfusion practices will improve patient outcomes and blood inventory management.
• Further research is essential to establish best practices for blood component therapy in dengue.