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.

Methods: 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).

Results: 28% of DF, 11% of DF with hemorrhage, and 61% of DHF patients had elevated ALT. A substantial correlation was found between the severity of the illness and AST increase, which was observed in 26%, 11%, and 63% of patients, respectively. 8% of DF, 17% of DF with hemorrhage, and 75.0% of DHF patients had elevated total bilirubin levels. Of the patients, 22% had painful hepatomegaly, while 32% had active vomiting. There existed a significant association with DF with the Disease Severity Cases (p value = 0.00061095) for elevated levels of ALT/AST/Bilirubin.

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.