Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Introduction: Dengue fever is known to have an unpredictable course and outcome. Because of this uncertainty, predictive markers are needed for early detection and prognosis of severe dengue. Studies on the correlation of degrees of Neutropenia and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with dengue severity on the pediatric population are scarce, and its clinical significance is still uncertain.
Objective: To determine the correlation of Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) during the acute phase of dengue infection with the development of severe dengue among children aged 0-18years.
Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive correlational study. The case details of children aged 0-18 years with laboratory-confirmed dengue who were admitted to SIMS&RC from August 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 were reviewed. Data collection was done. Data were analyzed. Statistical tests were used to determine the association of ANC and NLR with dengue severity.
Results: Out of 112 eligible children, 100 subjects were enrolled. Abnormal ANC was noted in 52% of subjects where, 24% had mild neutropenia, 18% had moderate neutropenia and 10% had severe neutropenia. Almost 42% of subjects had high NLR. There was no significant association noted between ANC and dengue severity. However, with increasing severity of neutropenia, risk for severe dengue also increased. No significant association was also noted between NLR and dengue severity.
Conclusions: There is no significant correlation between neutropenia during the febrile phase of dengue infection with the development of severe dengue in paediatric patients. However, a trend towards increasing risk for developing severe dengue was noted, with increasing severity of neutropenia. High NLR during the febrile stage of dengue, likewise, is not significantly associated with progression to severe disease.