Evaluation of the hepatic function in Dengue patients in Kolkata

Dengue fever is a global health problem. In our study liver functions were assayed in dengue patients admitted in our tertiary care. All the patients were selected randomly irrespective of age and sex. The diagnosis was established by clinical signs and symptoms, serological tests such as NS1 antigen (ELISA), and IgM level (MAC-ELISA). Out of 50 patients, four had dengue haemorrhagic fever. Forty-two patients had enlarged liver of about 0.5-1cm. In all these cases platelet count was low; NS1 and IgM were reactive. Liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were increased. Serum Protein levels (Total Protein), Albumin (A), Globulin (G) were less than normal level and A:G was altered, whereas as there was no significant change in serum bilirubin level. After seven days when there was complete recovery and the patient was fit to be discharged, the parameters were repeated and it was found that the values were 2 to 3 times more than the normal. It was concluded that in Dengue patients’ liver was affected.