DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i02.018

Pages: 247-253

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease in children, ranging from mild fever and rash to severe complications like hemorrhage and shock. Pediatric cases often show gastrointestinal symptoms and hematological abnormalities. This study assesses the clinical patterns, laboratory findings, and outcomes of hospitalized children to guide early recognition and management. Methods: This observational study included 75 children aged 1–15 years with confirmed dengue at Zilla Sadar Hospital, Lakhmipur (May–October 2024). Data on clinical features, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, treatments, hospital stay, and outcomes were collected, and patients were classified as DF, DHF, or DSS using WHO criteria. Results: Among 75 hospitalized children with dengue, most were aged 1–5 years (50.7%), male (65.3%), and urban residents (74.7%). Common symptoms included fever (100%), lethargy (77.3%), headache (68%), gastrointestinal complaints, and musculoskeletal or mucocutaneous features. Thrombocytopenia (54.7%), leukopenia (32%), anemia (17.3%), and elevated hematocrit (28%) were frequent; ultrasonography showed ascites (17.3%), pleural effusion (13.3%), hepatomegaly (12%), and splenomegaly (8%). Supportive management included fluids (82.7%), paracetamol (73.3%), platelet (14.3%) and blood transfusions (12.2%), plasma (3.1%), and antibiotics (16%). Most cases were DF (69.3%), followed by DHF (21.3%) and DSS (9.4%), with a mean hospital stay of 5.1 ± 2.3 days. Conclusion: Dengue in hospitalized children showed fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and thrombocytopenia, with some cases progressing to DHF or DSS. Supportive care, especially fluids, resulted in short hospital stays and favorable outcomes, highlighting the importance of early recognition and timely management.