Profile of liver involvement in dengue virus infection

Abstract

Background: Data are scarce on liver involvement in adult patients with dengue virus infection. Methods: During a recent outbreak of dengue fever in Uttar Pradesh, India, we looked for evidence of liver dysfunction among patients with dengue fever. Results: A total of 45 patients with dengue fever (age 7–65 [median 33] years; 29 men; 39 adults) were studied, including 23 with uncomplicated dengue fever, 15 with dengue haemorrhagic fever and 7 with dengue shock syndrome. The median platelet count was 34x109/L (9–99x109). Seven patients (15%) had jaundice, 11 (24%) hepatomegaly and 9 clinically detectable ascites; none had splenomegaly. Twelve patients (30%) had hyperbilirubinaemia. Serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities were elevated in 43 patients (96%) each; 5-fold elevated levels were more frequent in severe disease. Hypoalbuminaemia was found in 31/41 patients (76%). Seven patients died, including 2 with acute liver failure. Conclusion: Our data show that liver injury is common in adult patients with dengue infection. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of liver injury in this disease.