Vol. 2, Issue 12, Part A (2016)
Hypokalemia in dengue fever: A Descriptive Study
Hypokalemia in dengue fever: A Descriptive Study
Author(s)
Dr. Diwakr Naidu G and Dr. Balaji Prasad Naik
AbstractBackground and Objectives: Dengue fever has become a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Its clinical profile is changing with appearance of more neurological manifestations. It is vital to recognise at the earliest the signs, symptoms and alterations in biochemical parameters in dengue patients to reduce mortality. Among these hypokalemia is one of the possible manifestations of dengue fever, not widely recognised. This study was conducted at Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad to evaluate the prevalence of hypokalemia and its association with neurological manifestations.
Methodology: Primary data was collected from 350 cases of dengue admitted in Shadan Hospital fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were screened for any neurological or any other abnormal clinical manifestations and serum potassium was evaluated at the time admission.
Results: Severe dengue was seen in 11.2% of all dengue cases with 18% of total cases were found to have hypokalemia, majority presenting as mild hypokalemia. 2.3% cases had neurological manifestation with 50% of them, significantly associated with hypokalemia.
Conclusion: Dengue fever is associated with hypokalemia which is associated with neurological manifestations and if not screened for, can be missed. Hence, screening of hypokalemia is as important to decrease morbidity and mortality of dengue fever.
How to cite this article:
Dr. Diwakr Naidu G, Dr. Balaji Prasad Naik. Hypokalemia in dengue fever: A Descriptive Study. Int J Appl Res 2016;2(12):55-60.