Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Mortality in Pediatric Patients with Severe Dengue at Dhaka Shishu Hospital

Background: Dengue fever, particularly in its severe form, poses a significant health challenge in tropical regions like Bangladesh. Understanding the clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with severe dengue is crucial for improving management strategies and patient outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2019 to December 2020. It included 300 pediatric patients diagnosed with severe dengue. Results: Of the 300 participants, 286 (95.33%) survived, while 14 (4.67%) succumbed to the disease. Major bleeding, refractory shock, a significant rise in hematocrit, signs of pleural effusion, and ascites were significantly associated with mortality. Hematologically, a low platelet count (<15000/mm3) was a strong predictor of…