THE PREVALENCE RATE OF CARDIAC INCIDENTS AMONG THE PATIENTS ADMITTED WITH DENGUE FEVER AT LAHORE GENERAL HOSPITAL, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: As dengue fever continues to afflict millions worldwide, emerging evidence suggests a worrying link between this tropical disease and cardiac incidents

Objective: To determine the frequency of various cardiac events in patients admitted with dengue fever at Lahore General Hospital, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: The dengue virus infection was serologically confirmed using the NS1 viral antigen detection method. Prior to being assigned to a sample or having their data used in a study, every patient gave their informed consent. When the patient was admitted or discharged, the researcher documented the ECG and echocardiographic examination in addition to taking the patient's history and confirming the existence of risk factors including diabetes and hypertension.

Results: The electrocardiographic evaluation showed that 91 patients (58%) had normal ECGs, 04 patients (2.52%) had broad QRS complexes, 09 patients (5.73%) had diffuse T-wave inversions, 02 patients (1.27%) had low-voltage QRS complexes, and 12 patients (7.64%) had non-specific ST segment changes. In addition, 09 patients (5.73%), 24 patients (15.28%), and 06 patients (3.82%) had sinus bradycardia documented. After an echocardiographic evaluation, all 157 patients (100%) had normal left ventricular ejection fraction, 5 patients (3.18%) had diastolic dysfunction in the left ventricle, and only 4 patients (2.55%) developed pericardial effusion. Neither patient had global hypokinesia nor any new valvular lesions.

Conclusion: It has been noted that dengue fever frequently results in cardiac involvement of any severity. In order to provide effective and timely care, all patients who arrive at the hospital with a dengue virus infection must be examined for any potential cardiac involvement.