P-26 A retrospective chart review of Paediatric patients admitted to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Department of Paediatrics for symptomatic dengue during the period of May-October, 2023

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review with mixed qualitative and quantitative approach with patients admitted to all wards (critical and non-critical) during the Epidemic period of May-October 2023. All patients had a confirmed lab diagnosis of Dengue.

Results: There were 224 Dengue patients with 51% males and 49% females. Prevalence of admissions to open wards and critical care wards were 21.8% (n= 198) and 23% (n=26) respectively. The most common presentation included fever (95%), vomiting (67.7%), loss of appetite (50%), abdominal pains (48%) and rash (26%). 15 patients (7.5%) patients progressed to severe disease primarily for symptomatic pleural effusion (n=8) and hemorrhage (n=7). The mortality rate was 3.5% (n=6) of all admissions. Common comorbidities included obesity (n=40) and liver injury (n=30). 60% of severe cases were in the 8-12 age group. Obesity was present in 44% of severe cases and 34% of deaths. 70% of patients with severe thrombocytopenia had no progression to severe disease; petechiae was invariably present in all severe cases. AST elevation (p=<0.05) showed a strong correlation to severity followed by third spacing and symptomatic hemorrhaging.

Conclusion: The majority of patients had a good outcome to discharge with a low progression to rate to severe illness and death. The most common factors impacting severity were age, obesity, and complications such as liver injury third spacing and massive hemorrhaging