HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AS INDICATORS OF DENGUE SEVERITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS AT KTH, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that significantly affects hematological parameters, often leading to complications such as thrombocytopenia and hem concentration. This study aimed to assess hematological profiles in dengue patients admitted to Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar, and to compare variations across gender. A simulated dataset comprising 60 confirmed dengue patients (30 males and 30 females) was analyzed. The mean age of participants was 43.8 ± 14.6 years. Males exhibited higher mean hemoglobin (Hb) levels (15.1 ± 1.1 g/dL) compared to females (13.6 ± 1.0 g/dL), and higher red blood cell (RBC) counts (5.21 ± 0.38 ×10¹²/L vs. 4.64 ± 0.31 ×10¹²/L). White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts remained within reference ranges for most cases; however, platelet counts showed a downward trend in several patients, consistent with dengue-associated thrombocytopenia. Statistical analysis revealed significant gender differences in Hb and RBC counts (p < 0.05), while WBC, platelet, and red cell indices showed no significant variation. These findings highlight the importance of routine hematological monitoring in dengue management, as early detection of abnormal trends can guide timely clinical interventions and reduce the risk of severe complications