DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i07.034

Pages: 2449-2455

Viral haemorrhagic fever illness is one of the most important etiological factors for paediatric intensive care unit admission. Detecting early prognostic factors for identifying the severity of viral haemorrhagic fever illness can reduce the associated paediatric mortality. Hence, the aim of our study was to compare and correlate the severity of VHF (in terms of PRISM III score) in endemic region of India with some pathological and radiological parameters in order to have equivalent judgement of prognosis and outcome. It was prospective observational study conducted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Children satisfying inclusion criteria during the study period with probable viral haemorrhagic fever were evaluated for severity of illness using PRISM III Score followed by radiological investigations (chest x-ray and USG abdomen) and pathological investigations (serum aminotransferase levels) along with routine treatment protocol. Out of 94 cases, 36% had PRISM III score between 0-10, 53% between 11- 20 and 11% between 21- 30. Presence of pleural effusion on x-ray, ascites, increased gall bladder wall oedema on USG and elevated aminotransferase levels were found more in children with high PRISM III score in a statistically significant manner. High PRISM III score was associated with longer duration of stay in the PICU. The difference in duration of PICU stay is attributed to increased mortality in children with high PRISM III score. There is strong correlation of high PRISM III score with pleural effusion, ascites, gall bladder wall oedema and raised serum aminotransferase levels. Hence, these investigations can be considered to decide the severity of VHF wherever PRISM III evaluation is not possible. This will help to reduce paediatric patient’s mortality in developing countries.