Clinical Profile and Discharge Criteria Compliance of Hospitalized Dengue Patients in Pakistan: An Audit-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical profile of hospitalized dengue patients and assess compliance with standardized discharge criteria at a secondary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY A retrospective clinical audit was conducted at Alkhidmat Raazi Hospital in 2024, including 130 patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue infection. Data on demographics, length of stay, ICU admissions, type of dengue, diagnostic modality, and fulfillment of the seven discharge criteria were collected and analyzed. RESULTSThe mean age of patients was 40.43 ± 15.85 years, with 68.5% being male. The average hospital stay was 3.67 ± 1.56 days, with no significant difference between genders (p = 0.525). ICU admission was required in 9.23% of cases. Most patients (90.8%) had Dengue Fever, and NS1 antigen testing was the primary diagnostic modality. Discharge criteria were fully met in 81.5% of patients. The most commonly unmet criterion was a rising platelet trend (11.5%), followed by absence of fever without antipyretics (3.8%). CONCLUSION The study demonstrates a high level of adherence to discharge protocols, reflecting sound institutional practices. Structured discharge assessments can play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare efficiency during dengue outbreaks in Pakistan.