ASSESSMENT OF VARIATIONS IN HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS DURING DENGUE INFECTION AT ANMCH ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate alterations in key hematological parameters and determine their association with dengue infection severity among patients at ANMCH Islamabad.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place and Duration of Study:

The study was conducted at Al-Nafees Medical College & Hospital (ANMCH), Islamabad, from 1st September 2025 to 31st December 2025.

Methods:
A total of 250 serologically confirmed dengue patients (139 males, 111 females), aged 15–60 years, were enrolled through non-probability sampling. Diagnosis was confirmed using NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG ELISA assays. EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were analyzed for platelet count, total leukocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte percentage, and hematocrit (HCT) using an automated hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were computed, and independent t-tests were applied to compare gender-based differences. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Marked thrombocytopenia was observed with a mean platelet count of 47.76 ± 19.43 × 10³/µL (p<0.001). Leukopenia was evident with a mean TLC of 3.13 ± 0.36 × 10³/µL (p<0.001). Lymphocyte percentage was elevated (52.30 ± 4.86%), indicating relative lymphocytosis (p<0.001). Hematocrit levels showed significant elevation consistent with hemoconcentration. Although females demonstrated slightly greater deviation in platelet and HCT values, gender-based differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
Dengue infection is associated with distinct hematological changes, particularly significant platelet depletion, leukopenia, lymphocytosis, and elevated hematocrit. These parameters serve as practical indicators for early diagnosis, severity assessment, and clinical monitoring in dengue patients.