Early Clinical Features of Dengue in Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Low Jenny G. H., Ong Adrian, Tan Li Kiang, Chaterji Shera, Chow Angelia, Lim Wen Yan, Lee Koon Wui, Chua Robert, Chua Choon Rong, Tan Sharon W. S., Cheung Yin Bun, Hibberd Martin L., Vasudevan Subhash G., Ng Lee-Ching, Leo Yee Sin, Ooi Eng Eong
Primary Institution: Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
Hypothesis
How do the clinical features of dengue in adults differ by age group?
Conclusion
Early clinical diagnosis of dengue is challenging in older adults due to reduced sensitivity of symptom classification schemes.
Supporting Evidence
- Dengue cases presented with high rates of symptoms listed in WHO classification schemes.
- Older adults reported fewer symptoms, reducing the sensitivity of classification schemes.
- Hospitalization rates for dengue were significantly higher in older adults.
- Leukopenia was more pronounced in older adults with dengue.
- Symptoms like myalgia and arthralgia decreased with age.
Takeaway
Dengue can be hard to diagnose in older people because they don't show the usual symptoms as much as younger people do.
Methodology
A prospective study of adults presenting with acute febrile illness was conducted, with follow-up over 3-4 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential over-hospitalization of dengue cases due to national guidelines.
Limitations
The study had a small number of severe dengue cases, limiting analysis of predictive parameters for severe illness.
Participant Demographics
Median age of dengue cases was 39 years; 60.8% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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