Patterns of Liver Function Test Derangement in Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Among Patients Admitted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To identify and contrast the patterns of liver function test abnormalities in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital with dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a cross-sectional research was carried out.

Methodology: This observational cross-section study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from March to August 2025. The study included 100 individuals with confirmed dengue infection (NS1 antigen or IgM positive). Both clinical characteristics and laboratory results were documented, such as total bilirubin levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The association between liver function abnormalities and dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever was assessed using chi-square tests.

Results: Elevated ALT levels were observed in 28% of patients with dengue fever (DF), 11% of patients with DF with hemorrhage, and 61% of patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). A significant correlation was found between disease severity and elevated AST levels, which were observed in 26%, 11%, and 63% of patients, respectively. Elevated total bilirubin levels were noted in 8% of DF patients, 17% of DF with hemorrhage patients, and 75% of DHF patients. Painful hepatomegaly was present in 22% of patients, while 32% experienced active vomiting. A statistically significant association was observed between disease severity and elevated ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Dengue infection frequently results in impaired liver function, especially in DHF. AST elevation may be a helpful indicator of hepatic involvement and was substantially correlated with the severity of the illness. The majority of abnormalities were minor and reversible, highlighting the significance of regular monitoring of liver function in dengue patients.