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Updated: Jun 20, 2025
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
[Fulminant acute liver failure secondary to severe dengue in a child: case report]
Jesús Domínguez-Rojas1, Lizbeth Cabrera-Rojas2, Tommy Prado-Gómez2
1Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña. Lima, Perú; LAReD Network, Red Colaborativa Pediátrica de Latinoamérica. Montevideo, Uruguay.
Insights
Severe dengue can cause acute liver failure, a rare and fatal complication. This case highlights the severe outcomes of dengue virus infection in children, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and intensive care.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue virus is a significant public health concern in tropical regions like Peru.
- Severe dengue can lead to underreported, life-threatening complications, including acute liver failure.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with classic dengue symptoms: fever, headache, and abdominal pain.
- Initial investigations revealed hepatomegaly, severe thrombocytopenia, and elevated transaminases.
- The patient was diagnosed with severe dengue during hospitalization.
Findings:
- The child developed severe dengue with acute liver failure, kidney injury, and encephalopathy.
- Despite intensive care and mechanical ventilation, he experienced refractory fluid issues and capillary leak.
- The case illustrates a rare but severe manifestation of dengue infection.
Implications:
- Acute liver failure secondary to severe dengue is a rare complication with a poor prognosis.
- This case underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and specialized management of severe dengue in pediatric populations.
- Further research into the mechanisms and treatment of dengue-associated liver failure is warranted.
Abstract:
Dengue is a common infectious disease in tropical areas such as Peru. This virus can cause underreported and potentially fatal complications such as acute liver failure. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with fever, headache, and abdominal pain. On ultrasound, we found hepatomegaly and labs severe thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminases. During hospitalization he was diagnosed with severe dengue and developed acute liver failure, kidney injury, and encephalopathy. Although intensive care management and assisted ventilation, he developed multiple organ dysfunctions with fluid refractoriness and capillary leak. Acute liver failure secondary to severe dengue is a rare complication with an unfavorable outcome.
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