Dengue fever in paediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy: a retrospective study from a tertiary care center

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, complications and outcomes of paediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy with confirmed dengue fever.

Method: The retrospective study was conducted at the National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, and comprised data from October 1, 2022, to February 28, 2024, related to paediatric oncology patients aged 1-12 years with confirmed dengue fever and haematological or solid tumour malignancies who were on active treatment. Data from medical records was categorised as demographics, clinical presentation and complications. Data was analyzed using SPSS 26.

Results: Of the 11 patients with a median age of 5.5 years (range: 3-11 years) and an interquartile range (IQR) 4 years (IQR: 4-8), 6(54.5%) were boys and 5(46.5%) were girls. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was the most common malignancy 7(63.7%). Dengue fever was the diagnosis in 10(90.9%) patients, while 1(9.1%) had dengue haemorrhagic fever. Common symptoms included fever 11(100%) patients, vomiting 7(72.7%) and headache 6(54.5%). Thrombocytopenia was noted in 7(72.7%) patients, pleural effusion in 2(18.2%) and pneumonia in 3(27.3%). All 11(100%) patients were treated successfully with no fatalities.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and supportive care led to favourable outcomes even though distinguishing dengue from febrile neutropenia remains clinically challenging due to overlapping features.

Key Words: Dengue, Paediatric oncology, Chemotherapy, Retrospective studies, Febrile neutropenia, Haematological neoplasms, Pakistan.