Hematological parameters and their relationship with the severity of dengue in a Private Clinical Laboratory in the Paján Canton

Abstract

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, represents a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The severity of the disease can vary widely, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. The primary objective of this study was to analyze hematological parameters and their relationship with the severity of dengue fever in patients treated at a clinical laboratory in the Paján canton. A cross-sectional, analytical, and non-experimental methodology was employed, categorized as a retrospective, minimal-risk study. A total of 150 patients between 21 and 40 years of age were included, based on cases recorded from January to December 2023. The results showed that the age groups 31–35 and 36–40 years had the highest frequency of positive cases, with 8 cases each, collectively accounting for 57.14% of the sample. The most frequently altered hematological parameters among dengue patients were platelet count and white blood cell count. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 22.72% of cases, while 19.09% showed abnormalities in white blood cell counts. These alterations demonstrated a highly significant association with dengue infection (p < 0.01). In conclusion, dengue infection was most prevalent among young adults, particularly those aged 26–30. The most common hematological findings in affected patients were thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, underscoring the importance of monitoring these parameters for timely diagnosis and effective clinical management.