Dengue Fever: An Updated Review article for Physicians, Nursing, and Clinical Laboratory Professionals.
Abstract
Background: Dengue is a high-impact arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, with clinical severity ranging from self-limited fever to plasma leakage, hemorrhage, and shock. Global expansion reflects urbanization, climate variability, and mobility.
Aim: To provide an updated, practice-focused synthesis for physicians, nursing, and clinical laboratory professionals spanning pathophysiology, phased recognition, diagnostics, management, and prevention.
Methods: Narrative integration of current clinical frameworks: febrile–critical–recovery staging; early laboratory patterns (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis); confirmatory testing (NS1, PCR, serology); risk stratification; supportive care algorithms; vector control and vaccination.
Results: Early identification of warning signs around defervescence and judicious fluid stewardship reduce severe outcomes; transfusion decisions are driven by clinical bleeding rather than platelet thresholds. NS1/PCR confirm early infection; serology assists later but may cross-react with other flaviviruses. Multidisciplinary coordination (clinical, nursing, laboratory) improves triage, monitoring, and prevention. Vector control (source reduction, biological and chemical methods) plus context-sensitive vaccination (CYD-TDV) complement clinical care.
Conclusion: Outcomes hinge on timely diagnosis, phase-appropriate fluids, vigilant monitoring, and integrated public-health measures. Team-based pathways and laboratory–clinic alignment are pivotal to lowering mortality (~1% with optimal support) and epidemic burden.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Sultan Mansour Aldeghaither, Mahmoud Awad Al sulami, Rahaf ali salem Alshehri, ALbandari sulaiman A AL nafisah, Ebtesam Khaled ALhadi, Arwa Ibrahem Saleh Moqbel, Tahani Mohammed Abdullah Alqahtani, Amira Nasser Aljaber, Asma Mohammed Hassan Khormi, Elham mohmmed hassan khormi, Nadia Mohammed Hassan Khormi, Nisrin Hamzah M ALkhaibari
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