Background: Studies comparing hematocrit values, disease severity, and discharge status between well-nourished and undernourished pediatric dengue patients are limited. Objective: This study compared the mean hematocrit values, disease severity and discharge status of undernourished vs. well-nourished pediatric dengue patients admitted in a tertiary government hospital. Methodology: A retrospective cohort study involving 114 pediatric dengue patients, with comparison groups of well-nourished and undernourished children matched according to age, phase of illness and sex was done. Main outcomes measured were mean hematocrit values, disease severity and discharge status. Results: There was a significantly lower mean pre-resuscitation hematocrit in the wasted (M=39.67%, SD=3.78) compared to the well-nourished group (M=43.68%, SD=4.72), p=0.006, among children >6 to 12 years old in the febrile phase. There were no significant differences in disease severity and discharge status between wasted and well-nourished children. In those >2 to 6 years old in the febrile phase, the severely wasted had significantly higher pre-resuscitation hematocrit (M=43.28%, SD=4.77) compared to well-nourished children (M=39.11%, SD=5.34), p=0.041. More severe dengue, worse discharge status and an earlier time to demise was seen among severely wasted children. Conclusion Wasted participants had significantly lower mean hematocrit values with no difference in diseaseseverity and discharge status when compared to well-nourished participants. Severely wasted children had significantly higher hematocrit values, severe dengue, and worse discharge status.
Dengue ; Malnutrition ; Hematocrit