What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the effect of nutritional status and BMI on the severity of dengue in pediatric patients.

January 14, 2026Open Forum Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

P-526. The Role of Nutritional Status and Body Mass Index in Predicting Dengue Severity in Pediatric Patients: A Logistic Regression Analysis

MHMohammad Abdul HadiDeccan College of Medical Sciences MAMehnaaz Sameera Arifuddin MHMohammad Abdul Hannan HazariDeccan College of Medical Sciences

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the effect of nutritional status and BMI on the severity of dengue in pediatric patients.
Observational study conducted at Deccan College of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad
Included children aged 2-15 diagnosed with dengue (IgM-positive)
BMI and anthropometric data were collected and correlated with dengue severity using WHO criteria
Logistic regression analyzed data with SPSS 17.0
Higher BMI linked to milder dengue severity in pediatric patients
Logistic regression classified over 85% of cases accurately
In Group 1 (2-5 years), male gender and higher BMI correlated with lower severity
In Group 2 (5-15 years), BMI was a significant predictor of severity (OR= 0.564, p < 0.001)

Abstract

Abstract Background Obesity is a known risk factor for infections like dengue, but its link to severity in children is less explored. This study evaluated 100 dengue infected children ( ages 2-15 ) for a correlation between body weight/BMI and disease severity. Logistic regression showed significant results (Group 1 : p = 0.002; Group 2 : p=0.000), correctly classifying over 85% of cases. Higher BMI was linked to milder disease, and male children in Group 1 had lower severity (p = 0.038). Findigs suggest good nutrition may reduce severe dengue risk. Methods This observational study, conducted at Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, enrolled children aged 2-15 diagnosed with dengue (IgM-positive). Exclusion criteria included co-infections and chronic liver disease. Anthropometric data (height, weight) were recorded and BMI was calculated. Dengue severity was assessed based on WHO criteria. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between BMI/Weight and severity using SPSS 17.0 (p 0.05). Results 100 children were included; no significant gender-based differences in anthropometric and blood parameters. Logistic regression divided children into two age groups: Group 1 (2-5 years) and Group 2 (5-15 years). Higher BMI and male gender in Group 1 were linked to lower severity. In Group 2, BMI was a significant predictor of severity (OR= 0.564, p 0.001). Better nutritional status was associated with milder dengue. Conclusion This study highlights the protective role of good nutritional status in dengue outcomes, with BMI serving as a potential clinical marker for risk assessment. Early identification of at-risk individuals could improve management strategies. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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