[Clinical characteristics and outcomes of neonatal dengue fever in Foshan]

To study the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of neonatal dengue fever in Foshan.

A retrospective study was conducted on 49 neonatal dengue fever cases collected from eight hospitals in Foshan between June and November 2024. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Cases were divided into an early-onset group (diagnosed ≤7 days of age; n=32) and a late-onset group (diagnosed 7 days of age; n=17) for comparison of clinical characteristics.

Among the 49 neonates, fever was the predominant symptom (45 cases, 92%), followed by bleeding tendency (12 cases, 24%), tachypnea (11 cases, 22%), and jaundice (5 cases, 10%). The mothers of 30 neonates (61%) had perinatal dengue infection. Rates of maternal peripartum fever, confirmed maternal dengue fever during pregnancy, and perinatal dengue infection were significantly higher in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group (P0.05). The early-onset group had a longer hospital stay than the late-onset group (P0.05). Alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the late-onset group than in the early-onset group (P0.05). Symptomatic treatments, including short-term hemostatic therapy, nasal cannula oxygen supplementation, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation when indicated, resulted in favorable outcomes without severe cases or deaths.

Neonatal dengue fever in Foshan is associated with maternal perinatal dengue infection. Fever is the predominant clinical manifestation. Clinical characteristics differ by age at diagnosis, but overall prognosis is good. During dengue epidemic seasons, prevention and screening of perinatal dengue fever in pregnant women should be strengthened, and early laboratory tests such as pathogen detection and blood biochemistry should be performed on high-risk neonates.