GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT AND OBJECTIVE
GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT
The development group for this guideline consisted of a family medicine
specialist, an emergency medicine specialist, a general physician, infectious
disease physicians, intensivists, haematologists, public health physicians,
a virologist and a nursing sister from the Ministry of Health and Ministry
of Higher Education, Malaysia. During the process of development of this
guideline, there was active involvement of a review committee.

The previous edition of the CPG (2003) was used as the basis for the
development of this present guideline.

This guidelines provides :

a. A detailed description of the clinical course of dengue illness which
reflects the dynamism and systemic nature of dengue that have crucial
bearing on the patient’s management.

b. A detailed description of the basic pathophysiological changes

of severe dengue (i.e. plasma leakage and hypovolaemia/shock)
and provide guidance on the recognition of these changes and the
appropriate action of management.

c. A brief discussion on WHO Classification (1997) and its limitations.

d. Some useful guides on the differential diagnoses that can be confused

with dengue or vice versa; they were described according to the stage
of disease.

e. A more focused guide on the disease monitoring in accordance with

the dynamic changes as the disease progresses.

f. Emphasis on the importance of monitoring the plasma leakage [clinical

signs of plasma leakage and haemotocrit (HCT)] and the haemodynamic
status of the patient.

g. Clearer algorithm on fluid management in severe dengue.

h. Emphasis on the importance of recognising or suspecting significant

occult bleed with some useful guides.

i. A more systematic approach on the recognition of signs of recovery.

Literature search was carried out at the following electronic databases:

International Health Technology Assessment Website, PUBMED, Cochrane
Database of Systemic Reviews (CDSR), Journal full text via OVID search
engine, Comprehensive; Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness,
Cochrane Controlled Trials Registered, CINAHL via EBSCO search engine.
In addition, the reference lists of all relevant articles retrieved were searched
to identify further studies.


Reference was also made to other guidelines - WHO Dengue Haemorrhagic
Fever: Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control, WHO Geneva 1997;
Guidelines, Guidelines for DHF Case Management, Bangkok, Thailand
2002; Guidelines on Clinical Management Of Dengue Fever / Dengue
Haemorrhagic Fever 2005 Sri Lanka; WHO Regional Publication SEARO,
1999; Guidelines for Treatment of Dengue Fever/Dengue Hemorrhagic
Fever in Small Hospitals, WHO Regional Office for SE Asia, New Delhi,
1999. There were very few studies carried out on dengue patients in the
adult population. Many of the studies included in this guideline are based
upon the management of dengue in children. The findings of these studies
were then extrapolated on to the adult population, taking into consideration
our local practices.

The clinical questions were divided into major subgroups and members
of the development group were assigned individual topics within these
subgroups. The group members met a total of 15 times throughout the
development of the guideline. All literature retrieved were appraised by
at least two members and presented in the form of evidence tables and
discussed during group meetings. All statements and recommendations
formulated were agreed by both the development group and review
committee. Where the evidence was insufficient the recommendations were
derived by consensus of the development group and review committee.

The articles were graded using the modified version of the criteria used
by the Catalonia Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Research
(CAHTAR), Spain, while the grading of recommendation in this guideline
was modified from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

The draft guideline was posted on both the Ministry of Health Malaysia and
Academy of Medicine, Malaysia websites for comment and feedback. This
guideline has also been presented to the Technical Advisory Committee for
Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Health Technology Assessment and
Clinical Practice Guidelines Council, Ministry of Health Malaysia for review
and approval.

ii
OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
To provide evidence-based guidance in the management of dengue
infection in adult patients.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
• To improve recognition and diagnosis of dengue cases and provide
appropriate care to the patients.

• To identify severe dengue and carry out more focused close monitoring
and prompt appropriate management.

• To provide guidance on appropriate and timely fluid management and

the use of blood and blood products.

• To improve on early and accurate notification of dengue cases for

prompt public health intervention.

CLINICAL QUESTIONS
Please refer to Appendix 6

TARGET POPULATION
Adult patients with dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue
shock syndrome and other forms of severe dengue.

TARGET GROUP/USER
This guideline is applicable to primary care doctors, public health personnel,
nurses, assistant medical officers, physicians and critical care providers
involved in treating adult patients with dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic
fever or dengue shock syndrome and other forms of severe dengue.

HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
Both outpatient and inpatient settings

iii
clinical indicators for quality management

Primary indicators
i. Case fatality rate (DF & DHF)
Numerator: No of DF & DHF/DSS death
Denominator: No of DF & DHF cases (clinically diagnosed)
National target (9th Malaysian Plan):< 0.2%

ii. DHF fatality rate

Numerator: No of DHF/ DSS death
Denominator: No of DHF/ DSS cases (clinically diagnosed)
National target (9th Malaysian Plan):<1.0%

SECONDARY INDICATORS
1. Appropriateness of usage of blood and blood components
(a) Numerator : No of DF/DHF cases given platelet concentrates
Denominator : No of DF/DHF cases with significant bleeding

(b) Numerator : No of DF/DHF cases given Fresh Frozen Plasma

Denominator : No of DF/DHF cases with significant bleeding

(c) Numerator : No of DF/DHF cases given Whole blood/ Packed cells

Denominator : No of DF/DHF cases with significant bleeding
Denominator : No of DF/DHF cases with no or insignificant bleeding

Note : All dengue deaths should be audited at individual hospital/ state/ national level

iv
GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT GROUP

CHAIRPERSON
Dr. Mahiran Mustafa
Senior Consultant Infectious Disease Physician
Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II
Kota Bharu, Kelantan

MEMBERS (alphabetical order)

Dr. Abdul Hamid Jaafar Dr. Norita Ahmad
Assistant Director Consultant Infectious Disease Physician
Communicable Disease Control Division Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II
MOH Kelantan

Dr. Ainul Nadziha Mohd. Hanafiah Dr. Salmah Idris

Assistant Director Consultant Pathologist
Health Technology Assessment Section Hospital Sungai Buloh
Medical Development Division, MOH Selangor

Dr. Chow Ting Soo Dr. Sheamini Sivasampu

Consultant Infectious Disease Physician Principal Assistant Director
Hospital Pulau Pinang Health Technology Assessment Section
Pulau Pinang Medical Development Division, MOH
Dr. Faisal Salikin Ms Sin Lian Thye
Emergency Medicine Specialist Nursing Sister
Hospital Kuala Lumpur Health Technology Assessment Section
Kuala Lumpur Medical Development Division, MOH

Dato’ Dr. Faraizah Abdul Karim Dato’ Dr. K. Sree Raman

Deputy Director Senior Consultant Physician
National Blood Centre, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar,
Kuala Lumpur Negeri Sembilan
Dr. Ho Bee Kiau Dr. Suresh Kumar
Family Medicine Specialist Consultant Infectious Disease Physician
Bukit Kuda Health Clinic Hospital Sungai Buloh
Selangor Selangor

Dr Mohamad Ikhsan Selamat Dr. Tan Cheng Cheng

Principal Assistant Director Senior Consultant Intensivist and
Communicable Disease Control Division Anaesthesiologist
MOH Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor
Dr. Jameela Sathar Dr. Tan Lian Huat
Senior Consultant Haematologist Lecturer and Infectious Disease Physician
Hospital Ampang University Malaya
Selangor Kuala Lumpur

Dr. Lim Chew Har

Consultant Intensivist & Anaesthesiologist
Hospital Pulau Pinang
Pulau Pinang


REVIEW COMMITTEE (alphabetical order)
The draft guideline was reviewed by a panel of independent expert referees
from both public and private sectors, who were asked to comment primarily
on the comprehensiveness and accuracy of interpretation of the evidence
supporting the recommendations in the guideline.

Dr. Christopher Lee

Senior Consultant Infectious Disease Physician
Hospital Sungai Buloh
Selangor

Professor Lucy Lum Chai See

Professor of Paediatrics
Department of Paediatrics
University Malaya Medical Centre
Kuala Lumpur

Datin Paduka Dr. Santha Kumari

Senior Consultant Physician
Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah
Selangor

Dr. Radhakrishnan Sothiratnam

Consultant Physician
Columbia Asia Medical Center
Negeri Sembilan

Dr. Rudy Yeoh Seok Ching

Consultant Haematologist
S. C. Yeoh Haemotology Consultancy Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur

Datin Dr. Rugayah Bakri

Deputy Director
Health Technology Assessment Section
Medical Development Division
Ministry of Health

Dr. Tai Li Ling

Senior Consultant Intensivist & Anaesthesiologist
Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur

vi
EXTERNAL REVIEWERS (alphabetical order)
The following external reviewers provided feedback on the draft

Dr. Alan Teh Dr. Maimunah Mahmud

Consultant Physician & Haematologist Family Medicine Specialist
Subang Jaya Medical Centre Klinik Kesihatan Jinjang
Selangor Kuala Lumpur

Dr. Chua Kaw Beng Dato’ Dr. Ravindran Jegasothy

Consultant Virologist Head of Department and Senior
National Public Health Laboratory Consultant O&G
Ministry of Health Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Sungai Buloh Kuala Lumpur
Selangor

Dr. Jeyaram Menon Dr. Rashidi Ahmad

Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist Emergency Physician/Lecturer
& Head of Department Department of Emergency Medicine
Hospital Queen Elizabeth Universiti Sains Malaysia
Sabah Kelantan

Dato’ Dr. ST Kew Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaiful Bahari Ismail

Senior Consultant Physician Lecturer and Family Medicine Specialist
Internal Medicine Department Department of Family Medicine
International Medical University School of Medical Sciences
Kuala Lumpur Universiti Sains Malaysia
Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Dr. G. R. Letchuman Ramanathan Dr. Tan It

Senior Consultant Physician Consultant Anaesthetist
Hospital Taiping, Sunway Medical Centre,
Perak Selangor

Dato’ Dr. Lim Yu Hoe Dr. S Visalachy Purushothaman

Senior Consultant Physician Senior Consultant Haematologist
Hospital Pulau Pinang Hospital Ampang
Pulau Pinang Selangor

Dr. Mahathar Abdul Wahab Dr. Yoong Kar Yaw

Emergency Medicine Specialist Consultant Physician
Hospital Kuala Lumpur Hospital Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur Johor Bharu

v ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT AND OBJECTIVE i
GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT GROUP v
REVIEW COMMITTEE vi
EXTERNAL REVIEWERS vii
TABLE OF CONTENT viii
1. EPIDEMIOLOGY 1
2. VIROLOGY 3
3. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 3

3.1 SPECTRUM OF DENGUE INFECTION 3

3.2 CLINICAL COURSE OF DENGUE INFECTION 4

i. Febrile Phase 4
ii. Critical Phase 4
iii. Recovery Phase 5
3.3 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PLASMA LEAKAGE IN DENGUE 6
HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (DHF)/ DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME (DSS)

3.4 TOURNIQUET TEST 8

3.5 WHO DENGUE CLASSIFICATION 8
3.5.1 Limitations of WHO classification 8
3.6 OTHER IMPORTANT MANIFESTATIONS 9
3.7 DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES 10
4. DISEASE NOTIFICATION 11
5. LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 11
5.1 DISEASE MONITORING LABORATORY TESTS 11
5.2 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS 12
5.2.1 Dengue Serology Tests 12
5.2.2 Virus Isolation 14
5.2.3 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 14
5.2.4 Non-structural Protein-1 (NS1 Antigen) 14
6. INVESTIGATION OF POST MORTEM CASE 15
7. MANAGEMENT OF DENGUE INFECTION 15
7.1 OUTPATIENT MANAGEMENT 15
7.2 PATIENT TRIAGING AT EMERGENCY & TRAUMA AND 17
OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT

7.3 CRITERIA FOR HOSPITAL REFERRAL / ADMISSION 18

7.3.1 Referral from primary care providers to hospital 18
7.3.2 Referral from hospitals without specialist to hospital with 18
specialists

v iii
 7.4 DISEASE MONITORING 19
7.4.1 Principles of Disease Monitoring 19
7.4.2 Outpatient Disease Monitoring 19
7.4.3 Inpatient Disease Monitoring 19

7.5 FLUID MANAGEMENT 22

7.5.1 Non-shock patients (DHF Grade I & II) 22
7.5.2 Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) (DHF Grade III &IV) 23

ALGORITHM FOR FLUID MANAGEMENT FOR DSS (DHF GRADE III & IV) 25

7.6 MANAGEMENT OF BLEEDING/HAEMOSTASIS 26

7.6.1 Haemostatic Abnormalities in Dengue Infection 26
7.6.2 How to recognize significant bleeding? 26
7.6.3 Management of Bleeding in Dengue 26
7.6.4 Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIT) 27
7.6.5 The Role of Prophylactic Transfusions in Dengue 27
7.6.6 The Role of Adjunctive Therapy in Dengue 27

7.7 INTENSIVE CARE MANAGEMENT 28

7.7.1 Indications for respiratory support (non-invasive and invasive 28
ventilation)
7.7.2 Indications for haemodynamic support 28
7.7.3 Guide on safety and risk of invasive procedures 29
8. DISCHARGE CRITERIA 30
9. PREVENTION OF DENGUE TRANSMISSION IN HOSPITALS 30
10. VACCINATION 31
11. DENGUE IN PREGNANCY 31
REFERENCES 33
APPENDIX 1 - World Health Organization Classification Of DF And 44
DHF (1997)
APPENDIX 2 - Methods of Sample Collection 46
APPENDIX 3 - Home Care Advice Leaflet 47
APPENDIX 4 - Dengue Monitoring Record 48
APPENDIX 5 - Dengue Monitoring Chart 49
APPENDIX 6 - Clinical Questions 50
APPENDIX 7 - Search Strategy 52
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 53
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 54
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT 54
SOURCES OF FUNDING 54
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE & GRADES OF RECOMMENDATION

ix
1. EPIDEMIOLOGY
Dengue is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases in
terms of human morbidity and mortality. Dengue has become an important
public health problem. It affects tropical and subtropical regions around the
world, predominantly in urban and semi urban areas.

The number of reported dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever
(DHF) cases in Malaysia shows an increasing trend (Figure 1). The incidence
rate also shows an upward trend from 44.3 cases/100,000 population in
1999 to 181 cases/100,000 population in 2007 (Figure 2). This exceeds the
national target for the incidence rate of DF and DHF which is less than 50
cases/100,000 population. Dengue fever accounts for almost 95% of all
reported cases. The serologically confirmed cases are approximately 40-
50% of these cases at the time of notification. This relatively low percentage
of seropositivity is due to lack of convalescent samples (second blood
specimen) being sent for confirmation.

The incidence rate is higher in the age group of 15 years and above (Figure
2). The highest incidence rate is among the working and school-going age
groups. An increase of dengue deaths in the adult population has been
observed since 2002. (Figure 3) The case fatality rates for both DF and DHF
however remain well below 0.3% since 2002 (Figure 4).

Most of the dengue cases reported were from urban areas (70 – 80%) where
there is a high density of its population and rapid development activities-
factors which favour dengue transmission.

Figure 1 : Number of Dengue Cases, Malaysia 1995-2007

60,000 100

90.0
46,542
90

50,000 79.7 79.6 80.049,173

39,654 80
38,556
70.0
Serology Confirmed (%)

39,654 70
33,895 38,556
40,000 32,767
Serology Positve (%)

31,545 60.0
33,895 60
32,767
No of cases

27,381 52.5
52.4 52.9
53.0 31,545
50.2
50.2
48.9 49.0 50.0 48.7
30,000 46.5
46.2 47.3 47.3 47.3 47.3 50
27,381
43.0
42.5 42.5 42.7
40.9 40.9
19,429 39.6 39.6 40.0
40
19,429 16,368
20,000 14,255 29.5 30.0
16,368 30
14,255
10,146
10,146 20.0
7,103 20
10,000 6,543
7,103
6,543
10.0 10

0
0 0.0 0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year

Total
Total (Clinical) DF
DF DHF
DHF Serology Positive
Serologically (%) (%)
Confirmed


Figure 2 : Dengue Incidence Rate by Age Group in Malaysia, 1999-2007

Incidence (per 100,000) 250

200 181

151.9
144.7
150 133.6
125.9 132.5

100
68.2
44.3
50 30.2

0
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Population 0 - 14 Years > 15 Years

Figure 3 : Dengue Deaths by Age Group in Malaysia, 1999-2007

90
80
70
No Of Death

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

0 - 14 Years (IR) > 15 Years (IR)

Figure 4 : Dengue Case Fatality Rate (CFR) by Age Group in Malaysia, 1999-20071

1.40
Incidence (per 100,000)

1.20

1.00

0.80
0.63
0.60
0.36
0.40 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.28
0.23 0.23
0.20
0.20

0.00
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Population (CFR) 0 - 14 Years (CFR) > 15 Years (CFR)


2. VIROLOGY
Dengue infection is caused by dengue virus which is a mosquito-borne
flavivirus. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. There
are four distinct serotypes, DEN-1, 2, 3 and 4. Each episode of infection
induces a life-long protective immunity to the homologous serotype but
confers only partial and transient protection against subsequent infection
by the other three serotypes. Secondary infection is a major risk factor
for DHF due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Other important
contributing factors for DHF are viral virulence, host genetic background,
T-cell activation, viral load and auto-antibodies.

All four serotypes can be isolated at any one time but the predominat circulating
dengue virus will show a sinusoidal pattern (Figure 5). For example, DEN-3
was the predominant serotype in the early 90s with a peak in 1993, and then
subsequently declined. It then re-emerged, reaching the peak in 2001. Other
serotypes had been observed to be co-circulating at the same time.

Figure 5 : Percentage of Dengue Serotype in Malaysia, 1991-2007

100
90
80
70
60
% of Serotype

50
40
30
20
10
0

Den 1 (%) Den 2 (%) Den 3 (%) Den 4 (%)

3. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

3.1 SPECTRUM OF DENGUE INFECTION
The incubation period for dengue infection is 4-7 days (range 3-14).2 It
may be asymptomatic or may result in a spectrum of illness ranging from
undifferentiated mild febrile illness to severe disease, with or without
plasma leakage and organ impairment. Symptomatic dengue infection
is a systemic and dynamic disease with clinical, haematological and
serological profiles changing from day to day. These changes accelerate
by the hour or even minutes during the critical phase, particularly in those
with plasma leakage (refer to section 3.3).


Understanding the systemic and dynamic nature of dengue disease as well
as its pathophysiological changes during each phase of the disease will
produce a rational approach in the management of dengue.

3.2 CLINICAL COURSE OF DENGUE INFECTION

Dengue infection is a dynamic disease. Its clinical course changes as the
disease progresses. After the incubation period, the illness begins abruptly
and will be followed by 3 phases: febrile, critical and recovery phase. (refer
Figure 6) 3, 4

i. Febrile Phase
Typically, patients develop high grade fever suddenly. This acute febrile
phase usually lasts 2-7 days and often accompanied by facial flushing,
skin erythema, generalised body ache, myalgia, arthralgia and headache.3,
4
Some patients may have sore throat, injected pharynx and conjunctival
injection. Anorexia, nausea and vomiting are common. These clinical
features are indistinguishable between DF and DHF.5

Mild haemorrhagic manifestations like positive tourniquet test or petechiae

and mucosal membrane bleeding may be seen in DF and DHF.5, 6 Per
vaginal bleeding is common among young adult females. Massive vaginal
bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding may occur during this phase but
are not common.7, 6 The findings of an enlarged and tender liver are more
suggestive of DHF.5

The earliest abnormality in the full blood count is a progressive decrease

in total white cell count. This should alert the physician to a high index
of suspicion of dengue especially when there is positive history of
neighborhood dengue. This disease should be notified as early as possible
to prevent disease from assuming epidemic proportion.

ii. Critical Phase

The critical phase occurs towards the late febrile phase (often after 3rd day
of fever) or around defervescence (usually between 3rd to 5th day of illness
but may go up to 7th day) when a rapid drop in temperature may coincide
with an increase in capillary permeability in some patients. In other viral
infections, the patient’s condition improves as the temperature subsides,
but the contrary happens in DHF. At this point the patient will either become
better if no or minimal plasma leak occurs, or worse if a critical volume of
plasma is lost.3, 4, 8, 9

The critical phase lasts about 24-48 hours. (refer Figure 6) Varying
circulatory disturbances (refer to Table 1) can develop. In less severe cases,
these changes are minimal and transient. Many of these patients recover
spontaneously, or after a short period of fluid or electrolyte therapy. In
more severe forms of plasma leakage, the patients may sweat, become
restless, have cool extremities and prolonged capillary refill time. The
pulse rate increases, diastolic blood pressure increases and the pulse
pressure narrows. Abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, restlessness,


altered conscious level, clinical fluid accumulation, mucosal bleed or liver
enlargement >2 cm are the clinical warning signs of severe dengue or high
possibility of rapid progression to shock.9, 10, 11 The patient can progress
rapidly to profound shock and death if prompt fluid resuscitation is not
instituted.

It is important to note that thrombocytopaenia and haemoconcentration

(evidenced by a raised haemotocrit (HCT) from baseline or a drop in HCT
after rehydration) are usually detectable before the subsidence of fever
and the onset of shock. Refer to 3.5.1 for further details. The HCT level
correlates well with plasma volume loss and disease severity. However, the
levels of HCT may be equivocal when there is frank haemorrhage, early and
excessive fluid replacement or untimely HCT determinations.

Leucopaenia with relative lymphocytosis, clotting abnormalities, elevation

of transminases [typically the level of aspartate aminotransaminase
(AST) is about 2-3 times the level of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT)],
hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia are usually observed.3, 4, 5

iii. Recovery Phase

After 24-48 hours of defervescence, plasma leakage stops and is followed
by reabsorption of extravascular fluid. Patients’ general well being improves,
appetite returns, gastrointestinal symptoms abate, haemodynamic status
stabilises and diuresis ensues. Some patients may have a classical rash
of “isles of white in the sea of red”.3 Some may experience generalised
pruritus. Bradycardia and electrocardiographic changes are not uncommon
during this stage. It is important to note that during this phase, HCT level
stabilises or drops further due to haemodilution following reabsorption of
extravascular fluid. The recovery of platelet count is typically preceded by
recovery of white cell count (WCC).

Figure 6 : CLINICAL COURSE OF DHF12

Course of
dengue illness FEBRILE CRITICAL RECOVERY

Days of illness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0

Temperature 40

Potential Shock / Bleeding Reabsorption / Fluid overload

Dehydration
clinical issues

Organ Impairment

Laboratory Platelet
changes
Hematocrit

Viraemia IgM/IgG
Serology
and virology

Note : Onset of defervescence usually occurs between day 3 to day 5 of illness


 • Clinical deterioration often occurs during the critical phase
(plasma leakage) and it is therefore crucial to recognise the
onset of this phase.
• The onset of critical phase is marked by plasma leakage and
usually occurs around the onset of defervescence.
• Evidence of plasma leakage includes raised HCT (early marker),
haemodynamic instability, fluid accumulation in extravascular
space (rather late marker) or hypoproteinemia.
• Abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, restlessness, altered
conscious level, clinical fluid accumulation, liver enlargement
or mucosal bleed are the clinical warning signs of severe
dengue or high possibility of rapid progression to shock.

3.3 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PLASMA LEAKAGE IN DENGUE

HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (DHF)/DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME (DSS)
The primary pathophysiological abnormality seen in DHF and DSS is an
acute increase in vascular permeability that leads to leakage of plasma
into the extravascular compartment, resulting in haemoconcentration and
hypovolaemia or shock.13,3,4 Hypovolaemia leads to reflex tachycardia and
generalised vasoconstriction due to increased sympathetic output.14,15
Clinical manifestations of vasoconstriction in various systems are as
follows :
a. Skin - coolness, pallor and delayed capillary refill time
b. Cardiovascular system - raised diastolic blood pressure and a narrowing
of pulse pressure
c. Renal system - reducing urine output
d. Gastrointestinal system - vomiting and abdominal pain
e. Central nervous system – lethargy, restlessness, apprehension, reduced
level of consciousness
f. Respiratory system – tachypnoea (respiratory rate >20/min)
In patients whose consciousness is not obtunded, intense thirst is another
prominent symptom. At the same time, the inadequate perfusion of the
tissue leads to increased anaerobic glycolysis and lactic acidosis. If the
hypovolaemia is not corrected promptly, the patient will progress to a
refractory shock state. By then, the tissue perfusion would not respond to
vasopressor drugs, even if the blood pressure and intravascular volume
were to be restored and cardiac output would remain depressed. The
resultant lactic acidosis further depresses the myocardium and worsens
the hypotension.15 The common late complications of prolonged shock
are massive bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and
multi-organ failure which are often fatal.


The following table is the summary of the continuum of various
pathophysiological changes in a patient who progresses from normal
circulatory state to hypovolaemic shock.
Table 1 : A continuum of pathophysiological changes from normal circulation to
compensated and decompensated/ hypotensive shock (Adapted from15 )

Decompensated /
Normal Circulation Compensated shock
Hypotensive shock
Clear consciousness – shock can be Change of mental state – restless,
Clear consciousness
missed if you do not touch the patient combative or lethargy
Mottled skin, very prolonged
Brisk capillary refill time (<2 sec) Prolonged capillary refill time (>2 sec)
capillary refill time
Warm and pink extremities Cool extremities Cold, clammy extremities

Good volume peripheral pulses Weak & thready peripheral pulses Feeble or absent peripheral pulses

Severe tachycardia with

Normal heart rate for age Tachycardia
bradycardia in late shock
Normal systolic pressure with
Normal blood pressure for age raised diastolic pressure Hypotension/unrecordable BP
Postural hypotension
Narrowed pulse pressure
Normal pulse pressure for age Narrowing pulse pressure
(<20 mmHg)

Metabolic acidosis/ hyperpnoea/

Normal respiratory rate for age Tachypnoea
Kussmaul’s breathing

Normal urine output Reduced urine output Oliguria or anuria

The pathogenetic mechanism responsible for the increased vascular

permeability in DHF/DSS is not known. There are no apparent destructive
vascular lesions to account for this increased vascular permeability but on
post-mortem (microscopically), perivascular oedema and loss of integrity of
endothelial junctions with endothelial dysfunction are found.16, 17 Abnormal
immune response involving the production of cytokines or chemokines,
activation of T-lymphocytes and disturbances of haemostatic system are
the major changes seen in DHF. Mediators including C3a, C5a, tumour
necrosis factor-α, interleukin 2, 6 and 10, interferon-α and histamine are
elevated.4, 18
Secondary infection with a heterotypic dengue virus is associated with
increased risk of developing DHF. It is believed to be due to the antibody-
dependent enhancement phenomenon. 19,20,21 The sub-neutralising
concentration of the cross-reacting antibody from the previous infection
may opsonise the virus and enhance its uptake and replication in the
macrophage or mononuclear cells. The level of T-cell activation is also
enhanced. Profound T-cell activation with cell death during acute dengue
infection may suppress or delay viral elimination, leading to the higher viral
loads and increased immunopathology found in patients with DHF.4, 18

Increased vascular permeability is the primary pathophysiological

abnormality in DHF/ DSS.

Increased vascular permeability leads to plasma leakage and results

in hypovolaemia/ shock.


3.4 TOURNIQUET TEST
In DHF grade 1, a positive tourniquet test serves as the only indicator of
haemorrhagic tendency. The sensitivity of the test varies widely from as low
as 0% to 57%, depending on the phase of illness the test was done and
how often the test was repeated, if negative. In addition 5-21% of patients
with dengue like illness had positive tourniquet test but subsequently have
negative dengue serology.22, Level 1

A recent study demonstrated that there was 95.3% positive preditive

value if fever, positive tourniquet test, leucopenia/ thrombocytopaenia/
haemoconcentration were used as screening criteria.23, Level 8

The tourniquet test may be useful as an additional tool when the diagnosis
is in doubt, especially when the platelet count is still relatively normal.

How to perform tourniquet test

Inflate the blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to a point midway
between the systolic and diastolic pressures for 5 minutes.
A positive test is when 20 or more petechiae per 2.5 cm (1 inch)
square are observed.

Recommendation
The tourniquet test may be helpful in the early febrile phase (less
than three days) in differentiating dengue from other febrile illnesses.
(Grade C)

3.5 WHO DENGUE CLASSIFICATION

Based on current WHO dengue classification scheme (refer Appendix 1), the
key differentiating feature between DF and DHF is the presence of plasma
leakage in DHF. However, in the early febrile phase of dengue infection, the
symptoms can overlap and one cannot differentiate DF and DHF.

DHF is further classified as mild (grades I and II) or severe (grades III and
IV), the presence of shock being the main difference. Grades III and IV are
classified as Dengue Shock Syndrome (refer Appendix 1).

(Note : The existing WHO dengue classification is being reviewed and revised)

3.5.1 Limitations of WHO classification 22, Level 1

It has been observed that the existing WHO classification scheme has
several limitations as the disease has spread to new regions and infected
older age groups. For example:
1. Dengue with shock without fulfilling all the 4 criteria for DHF
There have been many case reports of patients with severe dengue with shock
who do not fulfil all the 4 criteria for DHF. These patients would have been
classified as dengue fever if the WHO criteria were to be strictly applied.


2. Severe organ impairment
Patients with severe organ impairment such as liver, respiratory,
cardiac and brain dysfunction were not captured as having severe
disease based on the existing classification.
3. Plasma leakage in DHF
The requirement of 20% increase in HCT as one of the evidence of
plasma leakage is difficult to fulfill due to several issues:
a. Baseline HCT is not available in most patients and therefore, the
interpretation of plasma leak can only be made retrospectively
b. Early fluid administration may affect the level of HCT
c. Bleeding will affect the HCT level
4. The existing classification scheme is often not useful for disease
management because the correct disease classification can only be
made towards the end of the illness.
Patients can present with severe dengue without fulfilling ALL the
4 criteria (refer to Appendix 1) for DHF/DSS.

3.6 OTHER IMPORTANT MANIFESTATIONS

Severe bleeding or organ impairment might occur without plasma leakage.
The following manifestations are important in dengue infection but are
often under-recognised or misdiagnosed
1. Acute abdomen :
Acute abdominal pain is a common symptom in dengue infection. It can
be due to hepatitis, acalculous cholecystitis and shock, and occasionally
misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis.24, Level 8; 25, Level 8 The history of
onset of fever before the abdominal pain, and laboratory findings of
leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, or prolonged APTT with normal PT
help to differentiate acute abdominal pain due to dengue infection from
other surgical causes.24, Level 8 Furthermore, in patients with shock, the
abdominal pain is relieved by intravenous fluid therapy.
2. Hepatitis and liver failure :
Hepatitis is common in patients with DF/DHF and may be mild or severe
regardless of the degree of plasma leakage. In some cases, liver failure
may occur.22, Level 1 The patients with liver failure have a high propensity
to bleed, especially gastrointestinal bleeding. 26, Level 8; 11, Level 8
3. Neurological manifestation :
Patients with dengue infection may have neurological manifestations,
(<1%) mainly encephalitis or encephalopathy.27, Level 8 Other rare
manifestations include myelitis and Guillain Barré Syndrome. 28, Level 8
4. Haemophagocytic syndrome
This is an uncommon syndrome and is due to overt active cytokine
productions as a result of the activation of T cells and macrophages system
following dengue virus infection. This “cytokine storm” induces the severe
vascular injuries, followed by the immense plasma leakage leading to
cellular oedema, cellular damage, necrosis and cell death. This syndrome
should be looked for in patients with unusual progressive cytopenia and
multiorgan complications. Serum LDH and serum ferritin are often markedly
elevated as well. Definitive diagnosis can be made by performing bone
marrow biopsy which demonstrates haemophacytosis activity.

3.7 DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES
Clinical features of dengue infection are rather non-specific and mimic
many other diseases, therefore can be easily misinterpreted. A high index
of suspicion and appropriate history taking, particularly with regards to a
recent stay in dengue hotspots, are useful for early and accurate diagnosis
of dengue. In addition, a dengue patient may have a co-infection with
another pathogen.
Using a syndromic approach, Tables 2 and 3 provide quick and helpful
references to the differential diagnoses which vary at different stages of
dengue disease.
FEBRILE PHASE
Table 2 : Differential diagnoses for dengue illness during febrile phase
Clinical syndrome Differential diagnoses
Influenza
Measles
Chikungunya
Flu-like syndrome
Adenovirus
Infectious mononucleosis
Acute HIV seroconversion illness
Rubella
Measles
Scarlet fever
Rash
Meningococcal infection
Chikungunya
Drug
Rotavirus
Diarrhea
Food poisoning
Meningoencephalitis
Neurological manifestation
Febrile seizures

CRITICAL PHASE
Table 3: Differential diagnoses for dengue illness during critical phase

Clinical syndrome Differential diagnoses

Acute appendicitis
Acute cholecystitis
Acute abdomen Perforated viscus
Viral hepatitis
Diabetic ketoacidosis

Shock Septic shock

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Respiratory distress
Renal failure
(Kussmaul’s breathing)
Lactic acidosis

Acute leukaemia
Immune thrombocytopaenia purpura
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura
Leucopaenia &
Malaria / Leptospirosis / Typhoid / Typhus
thrombocytopenia ± bleeding
Bacterial sepsis
SLE
Acute HIV seroconversion illness

10
4. DISEASE NOTIFICATION
All suspected dengue cases must be notified by telephone to the nearest
health office within 24 hours of diagnosis, followed by written notification
within a week using the standard notification format.29 Any delay in notification
will increase the risk of dengue transmission in the locality of the residence.
In 2007, 98.4% of dengue cases were notified by public and private hospitals
with only 1.6% from the government and private clinics. The average day of
illness at the time of notification was about 4-5 days after the onset of illness
even though patients might have presented themselves to the healthcare
facilities at day 1-3 day of fever.

Notification should be done as soon as a clinical diagnosis of dengue is

suspected; serological confirmation is not necessary. Notified cases will be
followed up by the health authorities for the verification of case definition
and preventive measures. It is also important to note that re-notification
has to be done if the diagnosis has been changed from DF to DHF or DF
to other diagnosis.

Failure to notify is liable to be compounded under the Prevention and

Control of Infectious Diseases Act, 1988 (Act 342).30

5. LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS
5.1 DISEASE MONITORING LABORATORY TESTS
Full Blood Count (FBC)
1. White cell count (WCC) :
In the early febrile phase WCC is usually normal but will decrease
rapidly as the disease progresses.5, Level 8 This trend of leucopenia
should raise the suspicion of possible dengue infection.

2. Haematocrit (HCT) :
A rising HCT is a marker of plasma leakage in dengue infection and
helps to differentiate between DF and DHF but it can be masked in
patients with concurrent significant bleeding and in those who receive
early fluid replacement.22, Level 1 Setting the patient’s baseline HCT in the
early febrile phase of disease will be very useful in the recognition of
a rising HCT level.

3. Thrombocytopaenia :
Thrombocytopaenia is commonly seen in dengue infection.22, Level 1 In
the early febrile phase, platelet count is usually within normal range
but it will decrease rapidly as the disease progresses to the late febrile
phase or at defervescence and it may continue to remain low for the
first few days of recovery.

There is a significant negative correlation between disease severity

and platelet count 3, Level 9; 31 Level 8 but it is not predictive of bleeding.32,
Level 8; 33, Level 1; 34, Level 6; 35, Level 8; 36, Level 8

11
Liver Function Test
Elevated liver enzymes is common and is characterised by greater elevation of
the AST as compared to the ALT.37, Level 8 The frequency and degree of elevation
of the liver enzymes are higher with DHF compared to DF.38, Level 8; 37, Level 8

Leucopaenia followed by progressive thrombocytopaenia is

suggestive of dengue infection.

A rising HCT accompanying progressive thrombocytopaenia is

suggestive of DHF.

There is no local data available on the normal range of HCT in adults.

In the absence of a baseline HCT level, a HCT value of >40% in
female adults and >46% in male adults should raise the suspicion
of plasma leakage.

Recommendation
The baseline HCT and WCC should be established as early as
possible in all patients with suspected dengue. (Grade A)
Serial FBC and HCT must be monitored as the disease progresses.
(Grade A)

5.2 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Definitive diagnosis of dengue infection can only be confirmed in the
laboratory. However, the interpretation of laboratory diagnostic results
should be done in the clinical context. Laboratory confirmatory tests include
antibody detection (serology), virus isolation, detection of virus genetic
materials (polymerase chain reaction -PCR) and detection of dengue virus
protein (NS1 antigen).

5.2.1 DENGUE SEROLOGY TESTS

Haemagglutination Inhibition Test
The haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test has been the gold standard for
serological diagnosis. However, because it is labour intensive and requires
paired samples for interpretation, this test is now being used mainly for
research purposes to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue
infections.

Dengue IgM test

The IgM capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most
widely used serological test. This antibody titre is significantly higher in
primary infections, compared to secondary infections. Once the IgM is
detectable, it rises quickly and peaks at about 2 weeks after the onset of
symptoms, and it wanes to undetectable levels by 60 days. However in
some patients, it may persist for more than 90 days. A positive result thus
has to be intepreted and correlated cautiously with the clinical picture. If
the dengue IgM test is the only available diagnostic test in the hospital,

12
then establishing a negative IgM early in the illness, and demonstrating a
positive serology later will be essential to exclude false negative results.

In one study, IgM was detected in only 55% of patients with primary dengue
infections between day 4-7 onset of fever, and it became positive in 100%
of the patients after day 7. However, in secondary dengue infections, IgM
was detected in only 78% of patients after day 7.39, Level 7. In another
study, 28% of secondary dengue infections were undiagnosed when IgM
was the only test performed.4, Level 9; 40, Level 8; 41, Level 8

Indirect IgG ELISA test

In primary and secondary dengue infection, dengue IgG was detected
in 100% of patients after day 7 of onset of fever. Therefore, dengue IgG
is recommended if dengue IgM is still negative after day 7 in secondary
dengue.39, Level 7; 40, Level 8; 42, Level 8

Recommendation
In order to establish serological confirmation of dengue illness a
seroconversion of dengue IgM needs to be demonstrated. Therefore
a dengue IgM should be taken as soon as the disease is suspected.
(Grade C)

Dengue IgM is usually positive after day 5-7 of illness. Therefore, a

negative IgM taken before day 5-7 of illness does not exclude current
dengue infection. (Grade B)

If the dengue IgM is negative before day 7, a repeat sample must be

taken in the recovery phase to confirm the diagnosis. (Grade B)

Please refer to Appendix 2 for methods of sample collection

Dengue Rapid tests

Simple rapid tests such as the strip assays (immunochromatography test)
are available for qualitative detection of dengue IgM and IgG (e.g. Pan Bio
Dengue IgM ELISA and Dengue IgM Dot Enzyme Immunoassay).

The yield of rapid tests was shown to be higher when samples were
collected later in the convalescent phase of infection, with good specificity
and could be used when ELISA facilities were not available 43, Level 1 But the
result had to be interpreted in the clinical context because of false positive
and negative results.44, Level 8; 45, Level 8; 41, Level 8; 46, Level 8 It is recommended that
the dengue IgM Capture ELISA test be done after a rapid test, to confirm
the status.44, Level 8

Note : False positive dengue serology

Serological tests for dengue have been shown to cross-react with:
• other flavivirus – Japanese Encephalitis.47, Level 9; 41, Level 8
• non-flavivirus – malaria, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis48, Level ; 45, Level 8
• connective tissue diseases – rheumatoid arthritis44, Level 8

13
5.2.2 VIRUS ISOLATION
Virus isolation is the most definitive test for dengue infection. It can only be
performed in the lab equipped with tissue culture and other virus isolation
facilities. It is useful only at the early phase of the illness. Generally, blood
should be collected before day 5 of illness; i.e. before the formation of
neutralizing antibodies.

During the febrile illness, dengue virus can be isolated from serum, plasma
and leucocytes. It can also be isolated from post mortem specimens. The
monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence test is the method of choice for
identification of dengue virus. It may take up to two weeks to complete the
test and it is expensive.

Note: Virus isolation has a poor yield if compared with molecular tests. It is most probably due
to the viability of the virus and the quality of the samples.49, Level 8

5.2.3 POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)

Molecular tests such as the reverse transcriptase – ploymerase chain
reaction (RT- PCR) are useful for the diagnosis of dengue infection in the
early phase (< 5 days of illness). It was shown to have a sensitivity of 100%
in the first 5 days of disease, but reduced to about 70% by day 6, following
the disappearance of the viraemia.50, Level 8; 42, Level 8; 51, Level 8

An additional advantage of RT- PCR is the ability to determine dengue

serotypes 52, Level 7; 42, Level 8; 53, Level 8; 49, Level 8; 54, Level 8
Limitations of RT- PCR are:
a) This test is only available in a few centres with facilities and trained
personnel (e.g. IMR, HKL, National Public Health Laboratory and University Malaya
Medical Centre).
b) The test is expensive
c) The specimen requires special storage temperatures and short
transportation, time between collection and extraction (refer
Appendix 1)
In view of these limitations, the use of RT- PCR should only be considered
for in-patients who present with diagnostic challenges in the early phase
of illness.

5.2.4 NON-STRUCTURAL PROTEIN-1 (NS1 Antigen)

NS1 antigen is a highly conserved glycoprotein that seems to be essential
for virus viability. Secretion of the NS1 protein is a hallmark of flavivirus
infecting mammalian cells and can be found in dengue infection as well
as in yellow fever and West Nile virus infection. This antigen is present in
high concentrations in the sera of dengue infected patients during the early
phase of the disease.55, Level 8; 56, Level 8
The detection rate is much better in acute sera of primary infection (75%-
97.3%) when compared to the acute sera of secondary infection (60% -
70%).57, Level 8; 58, Level 8; 59, Level 8; 60, Level 8 The sensitivity of NS1 antigen detection
drops from day 4-5 of illness onwards and usually becomes undetectable
in the convalescence phase.61, Level 8; 60, Level 8; 58, Level 8; 59, Level 8
14
 Recommendation
PCR can be used as a diagnostic tool in early dengue infection
(Grade B). It is not recommended as a routine diagnostic test due
to limited availability and cost. (Grade C)

NS1 Ag is a new diagnostic tool that may be useful in the early

phase of dengue infection. It is not useful in the convalescence
phase. However, this test is still undergoing evaluation. (Grade C)

Please refer to Appendix 2 for methods of sample collection.

6. INVESTIGATION OF POST MORTEM CASE

Suitable samples for viral isolation and PCR should be obtained from the
liver, lung, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, CSF, pleural fluid and brain tissues
in a patient suspected to have died of DF/DHF.2, Level 9; 62,Level 9 However PCR
is a more sensitive method.62 Level 9 ; 63, Level 7 ; 64, Level 8

For serological confirmation of dengue illness a seroconversion of dengue

IgM needs to be demonstrated. In a patient who has died suspected of
dengue, a repeat dengue serology together with the samples mentioned
above should be obtained.

Caution : Massive blood transfusion may affect the test results mentioned above.

Recommendation
A repeat dengue serology should be obtained at the time of death.
(Grade C)
Suitable specimens for virus isolation and/ or RT-PCR and/ or
antigen detection are recommended for confirmation of diagnosis.
(Grade C)

Please refer to Appendix 2 for methods of sample collection.

7. MANAGEMENT OF DENGUE INFECTION

7.1 OUTPATIENT MANAGEMENT
The management of dengue infection is symptomatic and supportive. A
stepwise approach as suggested in Table 4 can be useful.

Dengue is a dynamic disease and management issues vary according to

the 3 phases of the clinical course (refer to section 7.4). It is crucial to
recognise plasma leakage, shock early or severe organ impairment. This
can be achieved by frequent clinical and laboratory monitoring.

Dengue patients who are managed in the outpatient setting should be

provided with a disease monitoring record (refer to Appendix 4) to ensure
that all relevant information is available to all health care providers.

Primary care providers with no immediate haematocrit facilities should

refer patient to the nearest health facility for further management.

15
Table 4 : A Stepwise approach on outpatient management of dengue infection

It is important to evaluate every patient in a stepwise manner as in the following :

Step 1: Overall assessment
1. History
• Date of onset of fever/ illness
• Oral intake
• Assess for warning signs – refer to Table 5
• Diarrhoea
• Bleeding
• Change in mental state/seizure/dizziness
• Urine output (frequency, volume and time of last voiding)
• Other important relevant histories:
- History of dengue amongst family members or in the neighbourhood
- Jungle trekking and swimming in waterfall (consider leptospirosis, typhus, malaria)
- Recent travel
- Recent unprotected sexual or drug use behaviour (consider acute HIV seroconversion illness)
- Co-morbidities (consider sepsis particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus)

2. Physical examination
i. Assess mental state and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score
ii. Assess hydration status
iii. Assess haemodynamic status
- Skin colour
- Cold/ warm extremities
- Capillary filling time (normal <2 seconds)
- Pulse rate
- Pulse volume
- Blood pressure
- Pulse pressure
iv. Look out for tachypnoea/ acidotic breathing/ pleural effusion
v. Check for abdominal tenderness/ hepatomegaly/ ascites
vi. Examine for bleeding manifestation
vii. Tourniquet test (helpful in febrile phase)

3. Investigations
i. FBC and HCT
ii. Dengue serology

Step 2 : Diagnosis, disease staging and severity assessment

Based on evaluations in history, physical examination, FBC and HCT, the clinician should
be able to determine:
1. Dengue diagnosis (provisional)
2. The phase of dengue illness if dengue is suspected (febrile/critical/recovery)
3. The hydration and haemodynamic status of patient (in shock or not)
4. Whether the patient requires admission
Step 3 : Plan of management
1. Notify the district health office via phone followed by disease notification form
2. If admission is indicated (refer to admission criteria) :
• Stabilise the patient at primary care before transfer (refer to intravenous fluid regime)
• Communicate with the receiving hospital/ Emergency & Trauma Department
before transfer
3. If admission is not indicated (refer to Table 6) :
• Daily or more frequent follow up is necessary especially from day 3 onwards until
the patient becomes afebrile for at least 24 - 48 hours without antipyretics
• Refer to Home Care Advice Leaflet for Dengue Patients in Appendix 3

Adapted from65, Level 9; 66, Level 9; 67, Level 9

16
Table 5 : Warning signs 8, Level 8 ; 9, Level 8

• Abdominal pain or tenderness

• Persistent vomiting
• Clinical fluid accumulation (pleural effusion, ascites)
• Mucosal bleed
• Restlessness or lethargy
• Liver enlargement > 2 cm
• Laboratory : Increase in HCT concurrent with rapid decrease in platelet

Table 6 : Clinical and laboratory criteria for those who can be treated at home
1. Able to tolerate orally, good urine output and no history of bleeding
2. Absence of warning signs (refer to Table 5)
3. Physical examination:
• Haemodynamically stable
- pink, warm extremities
- normal capillary filling time (normal <2 seconds)
- good pulse volume
- stable blood pressure
- normal pulse pressure
- no disproportionate tachycardia
• No tachypnoea or acidotic breathing
• No hepatomegaly or abdominal tenderness
• No bleeding manifestation
• No sign of pleural effusion ascites
• No alterations in mental state and full GCS score
4. Investigation:
• Stable serial HCT
• In the absence of a baseline HCT level, a HCT value of >40% in female adults
and >46% in male adults should raise the suspicion of plasma leakage.
Therefore admission may be required

Adapted from 65, Level 9; 66, Level 9; 67, Level 9

7.2 Patient Triaging at Emergency & Trauma and Outpatient Department

The purpose of triaging patients is to determine whether they require urgent
attention. This is to avoid critically ill patients being missed upon arrival.68,
Level 9; 65 Level 9; 69, Level 9; 70, Level 9

Triage Checklist
1. History of fever
2. Abdominal pain
3. Vomiting
4. Dizziness/ fainting
5. Bleeding
Vital parameters to be taken :
Mental state,blood pressure, pulse, temperature, cold or warm peripheries

17
7.3 CRITERIA FOR HOSPITAL REFERRAL / ADMISSION
7.3.1 Referral from primary care providers to hospital
The decision for referral and admission must not be based on a single clinical
parameter but should depend on the Total Assessment of the patient.

Referral from primary care providers to hospital

1. Symptoms :
• Warning signs (refer to Table 5)
• Bleeding manifestations
• Inability to tolerate oral fluids
• Reduced urine output
• Seizure

2. Signs :
• Dehydration
• Shock (refer to Table 1)
• Bleeding
• Any organ failure

3. Special Situations :
• Patients with co-morbidity e.g. diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic
heart disease, coagulopathies, morbid obesity, renal failure,
chronic liver disease, COPD, haemoglobinopathy
• Elderly (<65 years old)
• Pregnancy
• Social factors that limit follow-up e.g. living far from health
facility, no transport, patient living alone

4. Laboratory Criteria: Rising HCT accompanied by reducing platelet count

7.3.2 Referral from hospitals without specialist to hospitals with specialists

Early consultation with the nearest physician should be initiated for ALL
DHF or DF with organ dysfunction/ bleeding.

Prerequisites for transfer

1. All efforts must be taken to optimise the patient’s condition before
and during transfer.
2. The Emergency & Trauma Department and/or Medical Department of
the receiving hospital must be informed prior to transfer.
3. Adequate and essential information must be sent together with
the patients and this includes the fluid chart, monitoring chart and
investigation results.

18
7.4 DISEASE MONITORING
7.4.1 Principles of disease monitoring
1. Dengue is a systemic and dynamic disease. Therefore disease
monitoring is governed by different phases of the disease.
2. The critical phase (plasma leakage) may last for 24-48 hours. Monitoring
needs to be intensified and frequent adjustments in the fluid regime
may be required.
3. Recognition of onset of reabsorption phase is also important because
intravenous fluid regime needs to be progressively reduced/ discontinued
at this stage.

7.4.2 Outpatient disease monitoring

Every patient suspected of dengue attending the outpatient/ emergency
and trauma department should be assessed in stepwise manner as
recommended in Table 4.
Daily or more frequent follow up is necessary especially from day 3 of
illness, until the patient becomes afebrile for at least 24- 48 hours without
antipyretics. A disease monitoring record has been developed and it is
recommended to be used for outpatient care (refer to Appendix 4.).

7.4.3 Inpatient disease monitoring

Immediately after admission every patient with suspected dengue should
be reviewed thoroughly similar to the stepwise approach in outpatient (refer
to Table 4). The plan of management and monitoring should be based on
the phase of the disease and the haemodynamic status of the patient.

Table 8 summarises the parameters and frequency of monitoring according

to the different phases of the illness.

19
Table 7: Issues of monitoring according to different phases of dengue illness

Phases of illness Issues :

- Differentiation of dengue illness from other febrile

illnesses.
Febrile
- Not possible to differentiate DF from DHF.

- Plasma leakage occurs as patient progresses to

late febrile phase or as temperature begins to
defervescence (T < 38.0 °C).

- Clinical deterioration occurs during this phase due to

plasma leakage.

- Plasma leakage results in haemoconcentration and

hypovolemia/ shock.
Critical
- Excessive plasma leakage due, in part, to intravenous
fluid therapy may cause respiratory distress.

- Bleeding can be precipitated by prolonged shock and

shock can be perpetuated by bleeding.

- May mimic acute abdomen of other causes.

- May be confused with septic shock or other forms

of shock.

- Cessation of plasma leakage.

- Reabsorption of fluid from extravascular compartment.

Reabsorption
- Haemodilution occurs following fluid reabsorption.

- Hypervolaemia and pulmonary oedema if intravenous

fluid therapy is continued.

20
Table 8 : Parameters and frequency of monitoring according to different phases
of dengue illness

Frequency of monitoring
Parameter for monitoring
Febrile phase Critical phase Recovery phase

Clinical Parameters
General well being
At least twice a
Appetite/ oral intake Daily or more Daily or more
day and more
Warning signs frequently towards frequently as
frequently as
Symptoms of bleeding late febrile phase indicated
indicated
Neurological/ mental state
Haemodynamic status
• Pink/ cyanosis
• Extremities (cold/warm) 2-4 hourly
• Capillary refill time depending on
clinical status
• Pulse volume
4-6 hourly
• PR
depending on In shock 4-6 hourly
• BP
clinical status Every 15-30
• Pulse pressure
minutes till
stable then 1-2
Respiratory status hourly
• RR
• SpO2

At least twice a
Signs of bleeding, abdominal Daily or more Daily or more
day and more
tenderness, ascites and frequently towards frequently as
frequently as
pleural effusion late febrile phase indicated
indicated

2-4 hourly
Urine output 4 hourly In shock 4-6 hourly
Hourly
Frequency of monitoring
Parameter for monitoring
Febrile phase Critical phase Recovery phase
Clinical Parameters

4-12 hourly
depending on
clinical status
In shock
Daily or more Repeated
FBC + HCT frequently if before and Daily
indicated after each
attempt of fluid
resuscitation
and as
indicated

At least daily or
more frequently
BUSE/ Creatinine
as indicated
LFT
RBS As indicated In shock As indicated
Coagulation profile Crucial to
monitor acid-
HCO3 / TCO2 / Lactate
base balance/
ABG closely
Adapted from 2, Level 9; 65, Level 9

21
7.5 FLUID MANAGEMENT`
7.5.1 Non-shock patients (DHF Grade I & II)
There are no studies that have looked at fluid therapy in non shock dengue
patients. Increased oral fluid intake may be sufficient in some patients
who are haemodynamically stable and not vomiting. However IV fluid
(0.9% saline is recommended) is indicated in patients with increasing HCT
(indicating on going plasma leakage) despite increased oral intake. IV fluid
therapy should also be considered in patients who are vomiting and not
tolerating orally.71, Level 9; 65, Level 9

The normal maintenance requirement for IV fluid therapy in such patients

could be calculated based on the formula in Table 9. Frequent adjustment
of maintenance fluid regime is often needed during the critical phase.
Often 1.2-1.5 times the normal maintenance will be required during the
critical phase. If the fluid infusion rate exceeds more than the maintenance
requirement, the infusion rate should be reviewed within 4 to 6 hours.

A rising HCT AND/ OR haemodynamic instability indicates on-going plasma

leakage and will require an increase in the IV fluid infusion rate. If patients
deteriorate and progress to shock, fluid resuscitation is indicated (refer to
the section on 7.5.2).71, Level 9; 65 Level 9

Reduce or consider discontinuation of IV fluid therapy when patients begin

to show signs of recovery (usually after 24-48 hours of defervescence, or
the HCT drops in a stable patient).
Table 9 : Calculations for normal maintenance of intravenous fluid infusion

* Normal maintenance fluid per hour can be calculated based on

the following formula (Equivalent to Halliday-Segar formula) :
4 mL/kg/h for first 10kg body weight
+ 2 mL/kg/h for next 10kg body weight
+ 1 mL/kg/h for subsequent kg body weight
* For overweight/obese patients calculate normal maintenance fluid
based on ideal body weight
(Adapted from 2, )
Level 9

Ideal bodyweight can be estimated based on the following formula: 72, Level 9
Female: 45.5 kg + 0.91(height -152.4) cm
Male: 50.0 kg + 0.91(height -152.4) cm

Recommendation
Encourage adequate oral fluid intake. (Grade C)
IV fluid is indicated in patients who are vomiting or unable to tolerate oral
fluids. (Grade C)
IV fluid is also indicated in patients with increasing HCT (indicating on-
going plasma leakage) despite increased oral intake. (Grade C)
Crystalloid is the fluid of choice for non shock patients. (Grade C)

22
7.5.2 Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) (DHF Grade III & IV)
Dengue shock syndrome is a medical emergency. Recognition of shock in
its early stage (compensated shock) and prompt fluid resuscitation will give
a good clinical outcome.73, Level 2 Refer Table 1 for details. However, failure to
recognise the compensated shock phase will ultimately lead to decompensated
(hypotensive) shock and a more complicated disease course.
Pulse pressure of < 20 mmHg and systolic pressure < 90 mmHg are late
signs of shock in adults.
All patients with dengue shock should be managed in high dependency
intensive care units. Fluid resuscitation must be initiated promptly
and should not be delayed while waiting for admission to ICU or high
dependency unit.
Following initial resuscitation there maybe recurrent episodes of shock
because capillary leakage can continue for 24-48 hours.
IV fluid therapy is the mainstay of treatment for dengue shock. 2, Level 9; 73, Level
2; 74, Level 2
To date, only three randomised controlled trials studying different
types of fluid regime in DSS in children aged from 5 to 15 years of age
are available.73, Level 2; 74, Level 2; 75, Level 2 Our recommendations are extrapolated
from these studies. These studies showed no clear advantage of using any
of the colloids over crystalloids in terms of the overall outcome. However,
colloids may be preferable as the fluid of choice in patients with intractable
shock in the initial resuscitation. Colloids seem to restore the cardiac
index and reduce the level of HCT faster than crystalloids in patients with
intractable shock. 74 Level 2 The choice of colloids includes gelatin solution
(e.g. Gelafusine) and starch solution (e.g. Voluven).
Principles for fluid resuscitation
The volume of initial and subsequent fluid resuscitation depends on the
degree of shock and can vary from 10-20 ml/kg ideal body weight. The
volume and rate of fluid replacement should be carefully titrated to the
clinical response to maintain an effective circulation while avoiding an over-
replacement.
Improvement in the following parameters indicates adequate fluid resuscitation:
Clinical parameters
• Improvement of general well being/mental state
• Warm peripheries
• Capillary refill time <2sec
• BP stable
• Improving pulse pressure
• Less tachycardic
• Increase in urine output
• Less tachypnoiec
Laboratory parameters
• Decrease in HCT
• Improvement in metabolic acidosis

23
If the first two cycles of fluid resuscitation with crystalloids (about 40 ml/
kg) fails to establish a stable haemodynamic state and HCT remains high,
colloids should be considered for the third cycle 2, Level 9; 65, Level 9 (refer to
Algorithm for fluid management for DSS).

If the repeat HCT drops after two cycles of fluid resuscitation and the
patient remains in shock, one should suspect significant bleed (often
occult) and blood transfusion should be instituted as soon as possible
(refer to Algorithm for fluid management for DSS).

In patients with persistent shock despite three cycles of fluid resuscitation

(60ml/kg IV fluid), other causes of persistent shock must be considered, the
commonest being significant bleeds (often occult) for which blood ± blood
products transfusion needs to be instituted promptly, (refer to Algorithm for
fluid management for DSS).

Other possible causes of persistent shock include sepsis and cardiogenic

shock (due to myocarditis or ischaemic heart disease).

Fluid therapy has to be judiciously controlled to avoid fluid overload which

could result in massive pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema or ascites.2, Level
9; 65, Level 9

Refer to the algorithm on IV fluid management for DSS patient for details.

Recommendation

For initial resuscitation

• Crystalloids are the fluid of choice in patients with DSS. (Grade A)
• Colloids may be preferred as the fluid of choice in patients with
severe shock. (Grade B)

When two cycles of initial resuscitation with crystalloids fail to

restore haemodynamic stability, colloids should be considered.
(Grade C)

24
 ALGORITHM FOR FLUID MANAGEMENT FOR DSS

Compensated shock
10-20 ml/kg bolus (crystalloid)
Decompensated (hypotensive) shock
20 ml/kg rapid bolus (crystalloid/colloid)
FBC, HCT before and after fluid resuscitation
BUSEC, LFT, RBS, PT/APTT, Lactate/HCO3, GXM

Improvement
YES NO

HCT HCT
If deteriorates to shock *Cold preripheries, CRT >2 sec
Warm peripheries, CRT<2 sec PR increases, PP narrows
HR reduces, BP stable, PP widens Urine output reduces
Urine output rises If improvement present
Worsening/ persistent metabolic acidosis

Administer 2nd bolus fluid

**Reduce IV fluid to 5ml/kg/hr 10-20ml/kg bolus (crystalloid) OR
20ml/kg rapid bolus (crystalloid/colloid)

Further Improvement
If improvement present

**Reduce IV fluid to 3ml/kg/hr

HCT HCT

Further Improvement

Reduce IV fluid further as pa- Significant occult/

tient continues to improve Not
overt bleed
Administer 3rd Improved
Initiate blood ± blood
bolus fluid product transfusion
Further Improvement
20 ml/kg bolus colloid
Consider other causes
Stop IV fluid about 48 hr of de- Septic shock
fervescence Cardiogenic shock

Clinical parameters must be monitored every 15-30 minutes during shock

**Fluid regime must be reviewed and readjusted every 30 -60 minutes.
2 IV lines (largest branula possible)
1st line: for replacement/bolus
2nd line: for blood taking OR blood transfusion

25
7.6 MANAGEMENT OF BLEEDING/HAEMOSTASIS
7.6.1 Haemostatic Abnormalities in Dengue Infection
The haemostatic changes that occur in dengue infection are a result of
endothelial activation.76 Level 9; 77, Level 8; 78, Level 5 This leads to thrombocytopaenia
and coagulation activation which are an intrinsic part of the disease.76, Level
9; 77, Level 8; 78, Level 5

Thrombocytopaenia and coagulation abnormalities do not reliably predict

bleeding in dengue infection.34, Level 6; 33, Level 1; 36, Level 8

Markers of endothelial activation such as elevated levels of thrombomodulin,

tissue factor and Von Willebrand factor are more often seen in severe
dengue.79, Level 6; 80, Level 6 Increased levels of these proteins may promote
microvascular thrombosis and end-organ damage.81, Level 9

7.6.2 How to recognize significant occult bleeding?

Bleeding is considered significant when it results in haemodynamic
instability. Bleeding from the gums or per vagina, epistaxis and petechiae are
common but will usually cease spontaneously and are often not significant.2,
Level 9
Significant bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation usually
occurs following prolonged shock and acidosis.32, Level 8

Suspect significant occult bleeding in the following situations:

Haematocrit not as high as expected for the degree of shock to be
explained by plasma leakage alone. 32, Level 8
A drop in HCT without clinical improvement despite adequate fluid
replacement (40-60 ml/kg).32, Level 8; 66, Level 9
Severe metabolic acidosis and end-organ dysfunction despite
adequate fluid replacement.32, Level 8

7.6.3 Management of Bleeding in Dengue

Mild bleeding such as from the gums, per vagina, epistaxis or petechiae,
usually cease spontaneously and do not require blood transfusion.2, Level 9

Transfusion of blood and blood components in dengue is indicated when

there is evidence of significant bleeding.32, Level 8

Recommendation
Patients with mild bleeding such as from the gums, per vagina,
epistaxis or petechiae do not require blood transfusion. (Grade C)
Blood transfusion with whole blood or packed cell (preferably less
than 1 week) ± blood components is indicated if there is significant
bleeding. (Grade C)

26
7.6.4 Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
No studies have looked at the use of proton pump inhibitor in upper GIT
bleeding in dengue.

Endoscopy and endoscopic injection therapy in upper GIT haemorrhage

increases the risk of bleeding and must be avoided.82, Level 7

Generally, most of the GIT bleed will improve after 48-72 hours of the
defervescence. A persistent bleed beyond this time will require further
investigation.

Recommendation
Endoscopy and endoscopic injection therapy in upper GIT
haemorrhage should be avoided. (Grade C)
Blood transfusion with whole blood or packed cell (as fresh as is
available, preferably less than 1 week old) ± blood components is
indicated in significant bleeding. (Grade C)

7.6.5 The Role of Prophylactic Transfusions in Dengue

Prophylactic transfusion with platelets and fresh frozen plasma do not
produce sustained changes in the coagulation status and platelet count in
patients with DHF/DSS.83, Level 8 ; 84, Level 8

Prophylactic transfusion with platelets and fresh frozen plasma do not

change or reduce the bleeding outcome in DHF. 83, Level 8; 84, Level 8 ; 36, Level 8

Inappropriate transfusion of blood components increases the risk of

pulmonary oedema and respiratory embarrassment.83, Level 8

Recommendation
There is no role for prophylactic transfusion with platelets and fresh
frozen plasma in dengue patients. (Grade C)

7.6.6 The Role of Adjunctive Therapy in Dengue

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of recombinant activated
factor VII in dengue patients with significant bleeding.85, Level 3; 86, Level 9 The
coagulation system is activated in dengue and infusion of activated factor
concentrates may increase the risk of thrombosis.87, Level 9

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of intravenous

immunoglobulin88, Level 3 and steroids89, Level 1 in the management of dengue
patients.

However there are anedoctal reports,72, Level 9 that demonstrated a dramatic

response when pulse methylprednisolone and high dose immunoglobulin
G was used in the early phase of haemophagocytic syndrome.

27
7.7 INTENSIVE CARE MANAGEMENT
The management of DSS in the intensive care unit (ICU) follows the general
principles of management of any critically ill patient in the ICU. However,
certain aspects which are of particular relevance to the management
of DSS are discussed here. There are several papers reviewing dengue
patients who were admitted to ICU. Several indications for ICU care were
observed as listed in the box below.90, Level 8; 91, Level 8; 10, Level 8

Indications for referral to Intensive Care:

1. Recurrent or persistent shock
2. Requirement for respiratory support (non-invasive and invasive ventilation)
3. Significant bleeding
4. Encephalopathy or encephalitis

7.7.1 Indications for respiratory support (non-invasive and invasive ventilation)

The main objectives of respiratory support are to support pulmonary gas
exchange and to reduce the metabolic cost of breathing.

In general, respiratory support should be considered early in a patient’s

course of illness and should not be delayed until the need arises. The
decision to initiate respiratory support should be based on clinical
judgement that considers the entire clinical situation.92, Level 9

In patients with metabolic acidosis, respiratory support should be

considered despite the preservation of relatively normal arterial blood pH.
When PaCO2 is higher than expected to compensate for the acidosis, the
patient should be promptly intubated.

Formula to calculate the expected PaCO2 = 1.5 x [HCO3-] + 8±2 mmHg

In patients with encephalopathy and GCS of <9, intubation is often required

to protect the airway.93, Level 9 ; 94, Level 9

Indications for mechanical ventilation:

• Respiratory failure
• Severe metabolic acidosis
• Encephalopathy

7.7.2 Indications for haemodynamic support

In dengue, hypotension is usually due to plasma leakage or internal
bleeding. Fluid resuscitation is crucial and should be initiated first. However,
vasopressor (e.g. dopamine, noradrenaline) may be considered when a
mean arterial pressure is persistently <60 mmHg despite adequate fluid
resuscitation. 95, Level 9

CAUTION : While vasopressors increase the blood pressure, tissue hypoxia

may be further compromised by the vasoconstriction.

28
 Formula : MAP ( Mean Arterial Pressure)
= DBP + 1/3 (SBP - DBP)
DBP = diastolic blood pressure
SBP = systolic blood pressure

7.7.3 Guide on safety and risk of invasive procedures

a. Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion
Volume resuscitation does not require a CVC if sufficient peripheral
intravenous access can be obtained (e.g. 14- or 16-gauge intravenous
catheters). In fact, peripheral intravenous catheterisation may be preferable
because a greater flow rate can be achieved through a shorter catheter,
assuming the catheters are of equal diameter.96, Level 8 When a CVC of 8.5
French or larger (i.e. an introducer) is used, the length of tubing becomes
the rate limiting factor, not the CVC.
There are no studies on dengue patients with regards to invasive
procedures and bleeding risks. In general, thrombocytopaenia and other
bleeding diathesis are relative contraindications to CVC placement as
high femoral, low internal jugular, and subclavian venous punctures are
difficult to compress and confer an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
However, studies have shown that the incidence of bleeding in patients
with coagulopathy varies (0-15.5%).97, Level 8; 98, Level 8; 99, Level 8; 100, Level 8; 101, Level 8

When CVC is indicated in dengue patients (e.g. poor peripheral venous

access, requirement of vasopressors) it should be inserted by an
experienced operator and under ultrasound guidance if available.102, Level 8;
103, Level 1

There are multiple insertion sites to choose from: femoral vein, external
jugular vein, internal jugular vein, subclavian vein, brachial vein and cephalic
vein. However, because the subclavian vein and artery are not accessible
to direct compression, the subclavian site is least appropriate for a patient
with a bleeding diathesis104, Level 9; 105, Level 9

Recommendation
Volume resuscitation does not require a central venous catherisation
(CVC) if sufficient peripheral intravenous access can be obtained.
(Grade C)
When CVC is indicated it should be inserted by a skilled operator,
preferably under ultrasound guidance if available. (Grade C)
Subclavian vein cannulation should be avoided as far as possible.
(Grade C)

29
b. Arterial catheter insertion
Intra-arterial cannulation is useful as it enables continuous arterial pressure
monitoring and repeated arterial blood gas sampling. It has a very low
incidence of bleeding (1.8 – 2.6%)106, Level 8

Recommendation
An arterial catheter should be inserted in DSS patients who require
intensive monitoring and frequent blood taking for investigations.
(Grade C)

c. Gastric tube
If a gastric tube is required, the nasogastric route should be avoided.
Consider orogastric tube as this is less traumatic.

d. Pleural tap and chest drain

Intercostal drainage of pleural effusions should be avoided as it can lead to
severe haemorrhage and sudden circulatory collapse.107, Level 9

Recommendation
Intercostal drainage for pleural effusion is not indicated to relieve
respiratory distress. Mechanical ventilation should be considered.
(Grade C)

8. DISCHARGE CRITERIA
The following should be taken into consideration before discharging a patient.65,
Level 9; 66, level 9

• Afebrile for 48 hours

• Improved general condition
• Improved appetite
• Stable haematocrit
• Rising platelet count
• No dyspnoea or respiratory distress from pleural effusion or ascites
• Resolved bleeding episodes
• Resolution/recovery of organ dysfunction

9. PREVENTION OF DENGUE TRANSMISSION IN HOSPITALS

Patients are viraemic and hence potentially infectious during the febrile
phase.108, Level 8; 109,Level 8 There are a few small studies that demonstrate higher
levels and prolonged duration of viraemia in patients with DHF.110, Level 6; 111, Level 8

There are no scientific studies that address the efficacy of mosquito

repellents or mosquito netting in reducing dengue transmission in
hospitalised patients. However several community studies have shown
that the use of mosquito netting/ screening was efficacious in preventing
transmission of dengue in the community.112, Level 3; 113, Level 8

30
Generally, repellent products with higher concentrations of DEET (N,N-
diethyl-m-toluamide) were found to have longer repellence times.114, Level 8

A consensus dengue guideline advised the use of mosquito netting

or repellent day and night for hospitalised dengue patients to reduce
nosocomial infection.66, Level 9

10. VACCINATION
There is no effective vaccine available for dengue.115, Level 8; 116, Level 9

11. DENGUE IN PREGNANCY

There are very few studies addressing the management of dengue in
pregnancy. Generally the presentation and clinical course of dengue in
pregnant women is similar to that in non-pregnant individuals.117, Level 8;
118, Level 8
However, the signs and symptoms may be confused with other
complications of pregnancy such as toxaemia, Haemolysis, Elevated Liver
Enzymes, Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome.119, Level 9

There are some reports of an increased incidence of prematurity, in-utero

death and abruptio placenta in these women.120, Level 8; 117, Level 8

The following physiological changes in pregnancy may make the diagnosis

and assessment of plasma leakage challenging :
• Elevation of HCT in dengue is masked by haemodilution due to increase
in plasma volume especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Serial HCT
measurement is crucial for disease monitoring in pregnancy.
• The detection of third space fluid accumulation is difficult due to the
presence of gravid uterus.
• Baseline blood pressure is often lower and pulse pressure wider
• Baseline heart rate may be higher.

Management of infected pregnant patients close to delivery :

• Risk of bleeding is at its highest during the period of plasma leakage
(critical phase).
• If possible, avoid Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) or induction
of labour during critical phase (plasma leakage).119, Level 9
• Procedures/manoeuvres that may provoke or augment labour should be
avoided during this critical phase.

Care for the mother should be provided in a multidisciplinary way in an area

of the hospital where there are trained personnel available to handle labour
and its complications.
The baby should be observed for vertical transmission of dengue after
delivery.119, Level 9

Recommendation
All pregnant women with suspected dengue infection must be admitted.
(Grade C)

31
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33
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41
APPENDIXES

43
 APPENDIX 1
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION
OF DF AND DHF (1997) 2, Level 9
CASE DEFINITION FOR DENGUE FEVER
Given the variability in the clinical illness associated with dengue infection,
it is not appropriate to adopt a detailed clinical definition of dengue fever.
Rather, the need for laboratory confirmation is emphasized.

The following classifications are proposed:

• Probable – an acute febrile illness with two or more of the following
manifestations:
- headache
- retro-orbital pain
- myalgia
- arthralgia
- rash
- haemorrhagic manifestations
- leukopenia

AND
- supportive serology(a reciprocal haemagglutination-inhibition antibody titre
≥ 1280, a comparable IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
titre or a positive IgM antibody test on a late acute or convalescent-phase
serum specimen)

OR
- occurrence at the same location and time as other confirmed cases of dengue
fever
• Confirmed – a case confirmed by laboratory criteria (see below).
• Reportable – any probable or confirmed case should be reported.

Laboratory criteria for confirmation of dengue fever are

• Isolation of the dengue virus from serum or autopsy samples: or
• Demonstration of a fourfold or greater change in reciprocal IgG or IgM
antibody titres to one or more dengue virus antigens in paired serum
samples; or
• Demonstration of dengue virus antigen in autopsy tissue, serum or cerebro-
spinal fluid samples by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence or
ELISA;

OR
• Detection of dengue virus genomic sequences in autopsy tissue serum
or cerebrospinal fluid samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

44
 APPENDIX 1
CASE DEFINITION FOR DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER
The following must ALL be present :
• Fever, or history of acute fever, lasting 2–7 days, occasionally biphasic.
• Haemorrhagic tendencies, evidenced by at least one of the following :
- a positive tourniquet test
- petechiae, ecchymoses or purpura
- bleeding from the mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, injection sites or other
locations
- haematemesis or melaena.
• Thrombocytopenia (100,000 cells per mm3 or less).
• Evidence of plasma leakage due to increased vascular permeability,
manifested by at least one of the following:
- a rise in the HCT equal to or greater than 20% above average for age,
sex and population;
- a drop in the HCT following volume-replacement treatment equal to
or greater than 20% or baseline;
- signs of plasma leakage such as pleural effusion, ascites and
hypoproteinaemia.
CASE DEFINITION FOR DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME
All of the above four criteria for DHF must be present, plus evidence of
circulatory failure manifested by :
• Rapid and weak pulse, and
• Narrow pulse pressure [<20mmHg (2.7 kPa)]
OR manifested by :
• Hypotension for age, and
• Cold, clammy skin and restlessness.
Grade l : Fever accompanied by non-specific constitutional symptoms;
the only haemorrhagic manifestation is a positive tourniquet
test and / or easy bruising.
Grade ll : Spontaneous bleeding, in addition to the manifestations of Grade
l patients, usually in the form of skin or other haemorrhages.
*Grade lll : Circulatory Failure manifested by a rapid, weak pulse and
narrowing of pulse pressure or hypotension with the presence
of cold, clammy skin and restlessness.
*Grade lV : Profound shock with undetectable blood pressure or pulse.

Note : * i. Grades III and IV are classified as Dengue Shock Syndrome

ii. The WHO classification is being reviewed and revised.

45
 APPENDIX 2
METHODS OF SAMPLE COLLECTION
1. Dengue Serology (ELISA)
i. Draw 3-5 ml of blood into a plain tube without anti-coagulants.
ii. Clot at ambient temperature
iii. Dispatch to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection for serum
separation by centrifugation.
Note : Haemolysed or icteric or lipaemic specimens invalidate certain test. If such specimens are
received, the samples will be rejected to assure results are of clinical value.

2. Viral Particles Detection (PCR)

Blood
i. Collect 3-5 ml of blood into plain tube.
ii. Send directly to virology lab within 2 hours of sampling. If this is delayed,
centrifuge and aliquot serum into sterile tube. Keep the sample in a freezer
at -70ºC and put in ice when sending to virology lab the next day.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

i. Collect a minimum of 0.5 ml (5 drops) of CSF into s sterile bijoux bottle.
ii. Pack in ice for transport
iii. Send directly to virology lab within 2 hours after being taken.
iv. Send together with serum sample

Post-mortem tissue sample

Tissue specimens should be placed in a sterile container and sent
immediately to the lab. The specimens should be “snap” frozen in liquid
nitrogen or in a -70 ºC bath such as dry ice/alcohol as quickly as possible
after collection. Once frozen, the tissue specimen can be stored at -70ºC
until detection by PCR.
3. Viral Isolation
Blood
i. Draw 3-5 ml of blood into a plain tube without anti-coagulants

CSF
i. Collect at least 1 ml of CSF specimen in a sterile plan screw capped
container (universal or Bijou Bottle).Do not add in VTM or freeze.
ii. Pack the specimen individually in biohazard plastic bag and keep in 4ºC
or in cold box with ice.
iii. Send to the lab within 24 hours after collection.

Tissue or post mortem tissue

i. Put the tissue in sterile container screw capped tight to avoid drying of
tissue. Do not add in VTM
ii. Packed the specimen individually in biohazard plastic bag and keep in
4ºC or in cold box with ice.
iii. Send to the lab within 24 hours after collection
• Inform the laboratory processing the samples that the case was fatal
• Obtain a blood sample to attempt virus isolation and serology
• Obtain tissue samples for separate tests of virus isolation and
immunohistochemistry
46
 APPENDIX 3
HOME CARE ADVICE LEAFLET FOR DENGUE PATIENTS

Front View

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR DENGUE PATIENTS

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

• Adequate bed rest
• Adequate fluid intake (more than 5 glasses for an average person)
- Milk, fruit juice (caution with diabetes patient) and isotonic electrolyte solution (ORS)
and barley water.
- Plain water alone is not sufficient and may cause electrolyte imbalance. (Nicaragua 2003, Level 8)
• Take paracetamol (not more than 4 gram per day)
• Tepid sponging
• If possible, use mosquito repellent or rest under a mosquito net even during day
time to prevent mosquito bites
• Look for mosquito breeding places in and around the home and eliminate them
WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
• Do not take non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) e.g. aspirin/mefenamic acid (ponstan)
or steroids. If you are already taking these medications please consult your doctor.
• Antibiotics are not required

Back View
THE DANGER SIGNS OF DENGUE INFECTION
(IF ANY OF THESE ARE OBSERVED, PLEASE GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL)

1. Bleeding
for example :
• Red spots or patches on the skin
• Bleeding from nose or gums
• Vomiting blood

• Black coloured stools
• Heavy menstruation / vaginal bleeding
2. Frequent vomiting
3. Severe abdominal pain
4. Drowsiness or irritability
5. Pale, cold or clammy skin
6. Difficulty in breathing

Adapted from 66, Level 9; 9, Level 8

47
 DENGUE MONITORING RECORD
Patient’s Name : ........................................................................... I/C No. : .................................................
Address : ...............................................................................
................................................................................ Date of Onset of Fever : .........................

Temp BP PR HCT WCC Platelet Next

Date Attending Clinic/Tel No.
(˚C) (mm Hg) (min) (%) (x103/µl) (x103/µl) Appointment

48
DENGUE MONITORING RECORD
APPENDIX 4
 APPENDIX 5
DENGUE MONITORING CHART

DENGUE MONITORING CHART

Appendix 5
DENGUE MONITORING CHART
NAME RN I/C
WT HT

DAY OF
ILLNESS
DATE / / / / / / / / / / / /
TIME
O
C
40

39
TEMPERATURE

38

37

36

35

190

180
BLOOD PRESSURE

170

160

150

140

130

120

110
PULSE RATE

100

90

80

70

60

50

40
RR

30

20

Capillary Refill
Pulse volume
Peripheries
Pulse Volume - G - Good / W - Week Peripheries - W - Warm / C - Cold

49
 APPENDIX 6
CLINICAL QUESTIONS
1. What is the epidemiological data and notification system for dengue?

2. How to diagnose dengue?

a. Clinical
i. latest definition of DF, DHF, DSS
ii. ICD 10 Classification
iii. stages of disease and pitfalls of WHO Classification
iv. differential diagnosis
v. unusual presentation (hepatitis, liver failure, acute abdomen,
encephalitis, myocarditis)
vi. co-infection-typhus, bacteraemia, malaria
b. Laboratory diagnosis and its pitfalls
i. When should IgM and IgG be taken? Role of rapid test kit
ii. Is there a role of routine virology – culture, antigen assay
iii. What is the role of PCR/ molecular in diagnosis?

3. How to manage the patients with dengue infection as outpatients

and in the emergency facility?
i. OPD and A/E triaging-fast tracking during outbreak
ii. Who can be treated at home? Clinical and laboratory criteria -
risk stratification at first contact
iii. When should the GP refer the suspected dengue case to OPD or
hospital?
iv. What should be the home care advice (Appendix/ Card)
v. Specific out patient management and follow-up

4. Who requires hospitalisation?

i. Clinical and laboratory criteria including social assessment
ii. Co-morbidities and pregnancy
iii. Communication on disease severity (inter-departmental/ inter-
hospital and inter healthcare facilities)
iv. Role of bed netting and/or mosquito repellent in the hospital
setting-place under general issues

5. How to monitor the patient in the ward?

i. What to monitor - parameter (clinical and lab)
ii. Pitfalls
iii. Alarm triggers - Aid chart /alert card /refer algorithm

50
6. When to refer patient from district hospital without specialist to
general hospital?
i. Clinical and laboratory criteria
ii. Early risk stratification, obtain early specialist advice for those at
higher risk

7. When to refer the patient for intensive care management? How to

manage the critically ill dengue patient?
i. What are the clinical criteria for referral to intensive care team
ii. Respiratory support, haemodynamic and renal support
iii. Guide on safety and risk of invasive procedures

8. What should be the fluid management in DF/ DHF /DSS?

9. DHF/DSS
i. Definition based on WHO classification
ii. Clinical features- compensated & decompensated
iii. Management of shock (refer algorithm)

10. How do we manage haematological and haemostatic abnormalities?

i. Interpreting laboratory results
ii. Is there a role of prophylactic transfusion?

11. How to management bleeding in dengue patient?

i. What is considered significant bleeding
ii. GIT Bleed -role of OGDS/ PPI and other treatment
iii. Use of blood and blood products
iv. Role of hormone treatment- oestrogen
v. Role of vitamin K and tranexamic acid
vi. Recognizing occult bleed

12. Is there a role of drug therapy in DHF/DSS?

i. Role of recombinant Factor VII
ii. Role of IVIG
iii. Role of steroid

13. What are the discharge criteria?

14. Guidance for follow-up after discharge whose readings have not
normalised – serologically negative, developed complications and
lab abnormality

51
 APPENDIX 7
SEARCH STRATEGY
The following free text terms or MeSH terms were used either singly or
in combination: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever”[MeSH] OR “Dengue”[MeSH]
AND (Clinical Trial[ptyp] OR Meta-Analysis[ptyp] OR Randomized Controlled
Trial[ptyp]) AND English[lang] AND “humans”[MeSH Terms] (“Dengue
Hemorrhagic Fever/classification”[MeSH] OR “Dengue Hemorrhagic
Fever/diagnosis”[MeSH]) OR “Dengue/classification”[MeSH] OR “Dengue/
diagnosis”[MeSH]) AND English[lang] AND “humans”[MeSH Terms];
Dengue AND “viral Isolation”; Dengue AND “Laboratory test” ; Dengue
AND “Laboratory diagnosis” Dengue AND “serology diagnosis”; IgM AND
IgG; Dengue AND “molecular test”; (Dengue AND “Dengue Hemorrhagic
Fever”) AND “Fluid Management”; “Dengue Shock Syndrome “[MeSH] OR
“Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever”[MeSH]; (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) AND
(Fluid Management) AND Shock; dengue AND admission criteria AND
laboratory AND clinical; dengue AND admission criteria AND laboratory ;
dengue AND hospitalization; dengue AND hospitalization criteria; dengue
AND admission; Dengue AND viral load AND day; dengue & defervescence
; dengue AND viraemia AND duration; dengue AND viral load AND duration;
dengue AND “net screen”; dengue AND net AND hospital; dengue and
triage; dengue AND triage AND “emergency department”; dengue AND
ICU; Dengue AND ventilation; dengue AND “invasive procedures”; “dengue
infection in ICU”; [MESH] dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue
shock syndrome-therapy and mortality.

52
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BP Blood Pressure

BUSEC Blood Urea Serum Electrolyte Creatinine

CRT Capillary Refill Time

CVC Central Venous Catheter

DBP Diastolic Blood Pressure

DF Dengue Fever

DHF Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever

DSS Dengue Shock Syndrome

FBC Full Blood Count

GCS Glasgow Coma Scale

GXM Group Cross Match

HCT Haemotocrit

HCO3 Bicarbonate

HELLP Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets

HI Haemagglutination Inhibition

ICU Intensive Care Unit

IgG Immunoglobulin G

IgM Immunoglobulin M

LFT Liver Function Test

NSI Ag Non-Structural Protein-1 Antigen

PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction

PP Pulse Pressure

PR Pulse Rate

RR Respiratory Rate

RT-PCR Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

SBP Systolic Blood Pressure

TCO2 Total CO2

WCC White Cell Count

53
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The development group of this guideline would like to express their gratitude
and appreciation to the following for their contributions :

• Panel of external reviewers who reviewed the draft

• Prof. Shamala Devi KC Sekaran

Lecturer and Medical Microbiologist,
Medical Microbiology Department
University Medical Centre

• Dr. Lee Han Lim

Entomologist
Entomology Unit
Institute of Medical Research

• Prof Lucy Lum Chai See

Lecturer and Consultant Paediatrician
Department of Paediatric
University Malaya Medical Centre
(member of the DENCO clinician group)

• Dr. N.T. Hung

Consultant Paediatrician
Department of Paediatric,
Children’s Hospital, Vietnam
(member of the DENCO clinician group)

• Ms. Loong Ai Moi
Nursing Sister
Health Technology Assessment Section, MOH

• Technical Advisory Committee for Clinical Practice Guidelines for their

valuable input and feedback.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The panel members have completed disclosure forms. None holds shares
in pharmaceutical firms or acts as consultants to such firms. (Details are
available upon request from the CPG Secretariat)

SOURCES OF FUNDING
The development of the CPG on Management of Dengue Infection in Adults
was supported financially in its entirety by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and
was developed without any involvement of the pharmaceutical industry.

54
55