Clinical Utility of NS1 Antigen level in Predicting Severity ofThrombocytopenia, Transaminitis and Appearance of Warning Signsin Dengue Patients

Authors

Abstract

Objective: To find an association between plasma levels of NS1 antigen with thrombocytopenia, Transaminitis and appearance of warning signs that can help to better manage high-risk cases that would develop into DHF/DSS

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 136 dengue patients admitted to the Department of Medicine at Fatima Memorial Hospital for dengue fever from August 1, 2022, and November 30, 2022. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected including warning signs of abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, rising hematocrit from baseline, narrow pulse pressures, NS1 antigen levels, platelet levels, and ALT/AST levels. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was calculated to show correlation between quantitative laboratory variables with NS1 antigen.

Results

  The median NS1 antigen was 13 (IQR 17.7), the median platelet count was 52 (IQR 67), A total of 134 (98.5%) patients were sent home safely after management which showed median NS1 antigen levels of 13(17.27) whereas 2 patients (1.5%) who died showed median Ns1 antigen level was 22.1.There was statistically significant inverse correlation (p<0.05) between NS1 antigen and platelet count. Elevated NS1 antigen levels were significantly associated with abdominal pain and persistent vomiting, while higher levels correlated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

  On the whole; NS1 antigen's potential for risk assessment and early intervention in severe dengue cases, suggesting a shift from reactive to proactive care in dengue management. Although limited by sample size and single center design, this study underscores the clinical value of NS1 antigen in improving patients' outcomes and warrants further validation in larger, multi-center studies.

Keywords:

NS1 Antigen, Dengue Fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Thrombocytopenia, Transaminitis, Clinical Utility, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Published

2026/06/03

Issue

Vol. Volume 7-issue 2

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