In this article, we will discuss the Definition of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. So, let’s get started.
Definition
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by all manifestations of classical dengue fever, thrombocytopenia, vascular instability, and increased permeability resulting in leakage of intravascular fluid to interstitial space (hemoconcentration) and local hemorrhage (positive tourniquet test, spontaneous petechiae, and/or purpura) or frank hemorrhage (epistaxis, gum bleeding, bleeding into GI tract, i.e. melena or hematochezia) have been described. The hemorrhage is inconstant and is thought to be a combined effect of vascular damage and thrombocytopenia.
As the plasma leakage increases, patient may become restless, irritable, and develops hypotension and shock (cold extremities) called dengue shock syndrome (DSS). In severe cases, frank shock is present with low pulse pressure (<20 mmHg), cyanosis, hepatomegaly, pleural effusion, and ascites. In some cases, severe ecchymosis and GI bleeding may be seen.
