Do Hematocrit Levels Differentiate between Complicated and Uncomplicated Dengue Fever?

Objective: To compare mean hematocrit levels in patients with uncomplicated and complicated Dengue Fever and evaluate the role of hematocrit in differentiating uncomplicated and complicated Dengue Fever. Study Designs: Prospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Infectious Diseases, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Oct 2019 to Sep 2020. Methodology: Around 240 dengue patients were enrolled. Hematocrit level at presentation was measured using an automated haematology analyzer. The patients were then followed for the development of complications (Dengue hemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome). Results: Of 240 patients, 183(76.2%) were male, and 57(23.8%) were female. Dengue Fever was present in 96(40%) patients, whereas 144(60%) patients developed complications (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome). The mean hematocrit level at presentation significantly differed among the groups (p=0.012). Following the ROC curve analysis, for the cut-off value of 42.6% of hematocrit Group II had a sensitivity of 56.25% and a specificity of 62.5% at an Area under the curve of 0.589. Conclusion: The mean hematocrit levels were significantly higher in patients with complicated versus uncomplicated Dengue Fever. Hematocrit could not be projected as a predictor of Dengue Fever severity.