DHF in infants, late infants and older children: a comparative study.

A comparative study of dengue hemorrhagic fever in infants and children was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Phetchabun Hospital between May,1999 and December, 2002. There were 1,924 DHF patients (aged 0-14 years). There were 40 (2.1%) infants (age 0-l years) and 27 (1.4%) young children (age 1-2 years). Sixty-seven cases (3.5%) of the older children (> 2-14 years) were selected to be compared. The clinical and epidemiological data for each of the three groups were not statistically different from each other, except for age, splenomegaly, shock state and mode of dengue infection. Older children were more likely to have a second dengue infection and a shock state than younger patients. Laboratory investigation results and fluid management for each of the three groups were not significantly different from each other except for the total WBC (min), neutrophils (max), lymphocytes (max) and platelets (min). The platelets (min) in the infants were significantly lower than in the younger children and the older children. Associated symptoms, diseases, complications, and hematologic manifestations in each of the three groups were not significantly different from each other except for the presence of coryza, seizures, nausea/vomiting, rash, and petichiae. Coryza, seizures, nausea/vomiting, rash, and petichiae in the infants and younger children were significantly different from the older children.