Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Definition

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of dengue, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by high fever, bleeding, and plasma leakage, which can lead to circulatory system and lymphatic system complications if not properly managed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe form of dengue that can lead to plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment.
2. It is caused by the same dengue virus that causes the milder form of dengue fever, but the symptoms are more severe.
3. Plasma leakage is a critical feature of dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to circulatory system failure and shock.
4. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is another hallmark of dengue hemorrhagic fever, increasing the risk of bleeding.
5. Proper and timely management of dengue hemorrhagic fever is crucial, as it can rapidly progress to a life-threatening condition.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between dengue virus and the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
  • Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe manifestation of dengue virus infection. While the same dengue virus causes both dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, certain factors can lead to the more severe form, including the specific serotype of the virus, the individual's immune response, and the timing of previous dengue virus exposures. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by plasma leakage, bleeding, and potential circulatory system failure, which can be life-threatening if not managed properly.
• Describe the role of the circulatory and lymphatic systems in the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
  • In dengue hemorrhagic fever, the dengue virus targets the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, causing them to become more permeable. This leads to the leakage of plasma from the circulatory system into the surrounding tissues, a hallmark of the disease. The lymphatic system is also affected, as the virus can infect lymphocytes and disrupt the normal functioning of the lymph nodes. The resulting plasma leakage and circulatory system complications, combined with thrombocytopenia and bleeding, can lead to shock and organ impairment if not managed effectively.
• Analyze the importance of early recognition and proper management of dengue hemorrhagic fever to prevent life-threatening complications.
  • Prompt recognition of dengue hemorrhagic fever and appropriate medical intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Dengue hemorrhagic fever can rapidly progress to a critical stage, characterized by plasma leakage, bleeding, and circulatory system failure. Early identification of warning signs, such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and rapid breathing, allows for timely supportive care, including fluid management, platelet transfusions, and close monitoring of vital signs. Delayed recognition or improper management can lead to shock, organ impairment, and potentially death. Therefore, understanding the unique features of dengue hemorrhagic fever and providing appropriate clinical care are essential to reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.

Related terms

Dengue Virus: The virus that causes dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, belonging to the Flavivirus genus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

Plasma Leakage: A hallmark of dengue hemorrhagic fever, where fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, leading to circulatory system complications.

Thrombocytopenia: A condition in which the blood has a low number of platelets, which can result in easy bruising and bleeding, commonly seen in dengue hemorrhagic fever.