Respiratory manifestations of dengue fever in Taiz-Yemen

BackgroundThoracic manifestations such as pleural effusion, pneumonia, pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis have been reported in dengue infection. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is reported to be the third leading cause of ARDs in dengue endemic area. So, the aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of pulmonary manifestations among dengue hospitalized cases in the International-Yemen Hospital-Taiz which is an endemic area.Subjects and methodsThis study was conducted in 100 patients seropositive of dengue confirmed by real time-PCR (RT-PCR). Respiratory manifestations were recorded and all clinical examination findings were recovered. Baseline investigations including CBC, haematocrit, liver, renal profile, ABG, dengue virus IgM and IgG and RT-PCR, plain X-ray chest P.A. and lat views and CT chest were done.ResultsYoung age patients and patients with co-morbidity are risky to severe form of dengue fever and have a high risk of death. As regards co-morbidities, chronic chest disease and cardiac disease are mostly vulnerable to DHF and DSS. The most presenting respiratory manifestations were ARDS, pulmonary haemorrhage then pneumonitis and pleural effusion.ConclusionIncidence of pulmonary manifestations among cases of DHF and DSS is frequent and can be used as an indicator of serious presentation of the patients.