Clinical determinants of mortality in dengue fever: A hospital-based study

Dengue fever is a major vector-borne disease worldwide, with a spectrum ranging from mild febrile illness to severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Identifying clinical and biochemical predictors of mortality is crucial for optimizing management strategies and improving outcomes.

To identify clinical and biochemical determinants associated with mortality in hospitalized dengue patients.

A prospective observational study was conducted at Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, over 6 months (July to December 2023). A total of 146 patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue fever were enrolled and monitored. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of mortality.

Mortality was significantly associated with advanced age, abdominal pain, breathlessness, and weakness. Biochemical predictors included thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase Test [SGOT]), bilirubin, and renal markers such as urea and creatinine. Non-survivors also showed a higher prevalence of systemic complications like pleural effusion and ascites.

Early identification of risk factors such as advanced age, severe thrombocytopenia, organ dysfunction, and systemic complications can guide timely interventions and reduce dengue-related mortality. These findings are particularly relevant for primary care physicians, who are often the first point of contact in dengue-endemic areas and are key to early diagnosis, risk stratification, and referral for advanced care.