Pulmonary Manifestations of Dengue Fever at a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dengue Fever (DF) is associated with systemic inflammation, clinically manifesting as involvement of different organ systems, including the pulmonary system. Pulmonary involvement is characterised by pleural effusion, pneumonia, haemoptysis, pulmonary haemorrhage, secondary bacterial infections with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and Dengue Haemorrhagic Shock Syndrome (DHSS), which are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study aims to analyse the pleuropulmonary manifestations associated with DF. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in northern India from June 2018 to November 2018. A total of 140 patients diagnosed with DF using Non -Structural protein 1 (NS1), Immunoglobulin (Ig)M, (Ig)G rapid card tests and confirmed by Enzyme -Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were included. Patients were examined for pleuropulmonary manifestations and other systemic features. Baseline investigations, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Haematocrit (Hct), Liver Function Test (LFT), Renal Function Test (RFT), chest X-ray (PA view), and High -Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the chest when required, were performed. Data analysis was carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: A total of 140 patients (108 males and 32 females) aged between 18 and 35 years were included and analysed. Among them, 113 (81%) were diagnosed with uncomplicated febrile illness, 17 (12%) with Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF), and 10 (7%) as Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Patients with co -morbidities, particularly respiratory system illnesses, and young patients were found to be at increased risk of morbidity. Pleuropulmonary manifestations observed in the study included pleural effusion, pneumonia, pulmonary haemorrhage, ARDS, and pneumothorax. Conclusion: DF is associated with the involvement of the pulmonary system, and its incidence is increased in cases of moderate to severe disease. Therefore, pleuropulmonary manifestations can be useful in evaluating the severity of DF cases.