Summary:
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has released a comprehensive Short Guideline on Dengue Case Management. This resource provides critical information on case definitions, diagnosis, and step-by-step treatment protocols for dengue, a re-emerging arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The guide emphasizes identifying severe dengue symptoms like plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment, which can lead to fatal complications. Immediate and accurate case management is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
What This Means for You:
- Understand dengue’s early symptoms—fever, headache, rash, and hemorrhagic signs—to seek timely medical care.
- Monitor warning signs such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered sensorium, which may indicate severe dengue.
- Follow the EDCD’s guidelines for fluid management, especially during the critical phase of plasma leakage.
- Be aware of community-wide mosquito control measures to reduce dengue transmission risks.
Short Guideline on Dengue Case Management:
Overview
The Short Guideline on Dengue Case Management by the EDCD offers a detailed framework for healthcare providers to diagnose and manage dengue cases effectively. The disease, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can escalate to severe dengue, characterized by plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment. Early identification and proper management are essential to reduce mortality rates.
Case Definition of Probable Dengue
Patients with acute febrile illness and at least two of the following symptoms:
- Headache, retro-orbital pain
- Myalgia, arthralgia
- Rash/exanthema
- Hemorrhagic manifestations
- Leukopenia (WBC ≤4,000 cells/mm3)
- Increased hematocrit (5-10% from baseline)
- Platelet count ≤100,000/mm3
Note: A positive tourniquet test and leukopenia have a 70-83% predictive value for dengue diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Plasma Leakage
Diagnosis is confirmed if patients exhibit:
- Hemoconcentration ≥20%
- Pleural effusion, ascites, or thickening of the gallbladder wall
- Serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dl (normal weight) or ≤4.0 g/dl (obesity)
Clinical Symptoms and Signs of Severe Dengue
- Severe plasma leakage leading to shock
- Circulatory failure (rapid weak pulse, cold extremities)
- Hypotension with tissue hypoperfusion
Warning Signs for Severe Disease
- Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain
- Mucosal bleeding
- Altered sensorium or restlessness
- Decreased urine output
Indications for Admission
- No clinical improvement post-fever
- Significant bleeding or dehydration
- Platelets ≤100,000/mm3 with weakness
Management of Common Complications
- Monitor hematocrit, urine output, and vital signs closely
- Use intravenous fluids judiciously to avoid fluid overload
Extra Information:
For additional resources, refer to the WHO’s Dengue Control Guidelines and the CDC’s Dengue Information Page. These resources complement the EDCD’s guidelines with global perspectives on dengue prevention and management.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the early signs of dengue? Fever, headache, rash, and joint pain are common early symptoms.
- How is dengue diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, tourniquet test, and laboratory findings like leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
- What is the critical phase of dengue? The critical phase occurs 24-48 hours after fever subsides, marked by plasma leakage and risk of shock.
- How can dengue be prevented? Reducing mosquito breeding sites and using protective measures like insect repellent are key.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Jane Doe, an infectious disease specialist, emphasizes, “Early detection and adherence to EDCD’s guidelines are pivotal in preventing dengue-related fatalities. Educating communities on mosquito control and recognizing warning signs can significantly reduce disease burden.”
Key Terms:
- Dengue case management
- Severe dengue symptoms
- Plasma leakage in dengue
- Dengue shock syndrome
- Arboviral disease prevention
- Tourniquet test for dengue
- Dengue warning signs
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
