1. Prospective Study On Liver Function Test Derangements and Serum Ferritin Levels in Dengue Fever
K. Siva Rama Krishna Sai, Satya Krishna Modukuri
K. Siva Rama Krishna Sai, Satya Krishna Modukuri
Abstract
Background: Dengue fever is a major arboviral infection causing significant morbidity in tropical countries. Hepatic dysfunction and elevated inflammatory markers such as serum ferritin are increasingly recognized as indicators of disease severity. Aim: To evaluate liver function test derangements and serum ferritin levels in dengue fever and determine their association with dengue severity and clinical outcomes. Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted at Government Medical College, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 61 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients aged ≥18 years were en-rolled after written informed consent. Clinical details, laboratory investigations, liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin), and serum ferritin levels were recorded at admission. Patients were classified accord-ing to WHO 2009 dengue severity criteria. Associations between biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.8 ± 12.6 years, and males constituted 62.3% of the study popula-tion. Elevated AST and ALT were observed in 80.3% and 67.2% of patients respectively, while AST > ALT pattern was noted in 72.1% cases. Mean serum ferritin levels were significantly higher among patients with dengue warning signs/severe dengue compared to uncomplicated dengue (1184.6 ± 472.8 vs 486.3 ± 210.5 ng/mL; p<0.001). Elevated ferritin levels were significantly associated with plasma leakage, bleeding manifesta-tions, ICU admission, and prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: Liver function test abnormalities and elevated serum ferritin levels are significantly associated with dengue severity and adverse outcomes. These biomarkers may help in early risk stratification and clinical man-agement of dengue patients.