Age and Gender-Based Clinical and Laboratory Features in Dengue Infection: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Dengue infection remains prevalent globally, with a shift toward adult cases. WHO diagnosis relies on clinical and laboratory criteria to identify and manage the disease effectively.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the differences in clinical and laboratory findings of dengue infection based on age and gender.

Materials and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study utilized medical record data from 162 pediatric and adult dengue patients diagnosed with dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Surabaya hospital in 2022. The study assessed hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte, and platelet levels across six age groups: toddlers (0–5 years), children (6–10 years), adolescents (11–18 years), young adults (19–29 years), and adults (30–59 years). The variables observed in this study include age, gender, classification, and type of dengue infection among hospitalized patients diagnosed with dengue.

Results: The findings of this study indicate no statistically significant difference between pediatric and adult patients regarding the classification of DF and DHF (p = 0.085). However, laboratory results revealed a significant difference in the incidence of thrombocytopenia between children and adults (p = 0.019). Furthermore, a significant association was found between platelet count and dengue classification, with lower platelet levels observed in DHF cases compared to DF (p = 0.001).

Conclusions: This study shows significant clinical and laboratory differences between children and adults with dengue, highlighting the necessity of age-specific diagnostics to enhance early detection and appropriate treatment.