High case-fatality rate of adults with dengue hemorrhagic fever during an outbreak in non-endemic Taiwan: Risk factors for dengue-infected elders

Ching Chuan Liu, Kao Jean Huang, Mei Chih Huang, J. J. Lin, S. M. Wang, Jen Jou Liu, Jih Jin Tsai, Jyh Hsiung Huang, Yee Shin Lin, Hsiao Sheng Liu, Trai Ming Yeh, Huan Yao Lei

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In 2002, a dengue outbreak occurred in Taiwan with 5336 confirmed cases, 242 DHF and 21 death, the case fatality rate reached 8.7% (21/242). The demographic data of these age-specific dengue patients showed that dengue virus infection caused symptom primarily occurred in adults. A comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory data for DF, DHF/DSS and fatal DSS found that high fatality from dengue infection was associated with the following patient conditions: (1) age above 55 years, (2) underlying diseases with hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, or diabetes, (3) abnormal thrombocytopenia, APTT and PT prolongation, low hematocrit (<30%) and leukocytosis, (4) abnormal elevation of AST, ALT and BUN. In a non-endemic area like Taiwan, dengue should be considered as an adult infectious disease and the dengue-infected elders will have higher morbidity or mortality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10-17
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Infectious Diseases

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