Clinical profile, serological patterns and treatment outcomes of dengue fever: a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care university hospital

Background: Dengue fever, a globally significant mosquito borne viral infection, exhibits a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, yet gender specific variations in its presentation and outcomes remain underexplored. We conducted a prospective observational study at Jaipur National University Institute for Medical Sciences and Research Centre, enrolling 50 confirmed dengue patients to evaluate demographic, clinical, and serological differences between genders. Methods: The cohort comprised 62% females and 38% males, with fever (90%), generalized weakness (54%), and myalgia (44%) as the most common symptoms. Hematological involvement was predominant (92%), followed by hepatic (54%) and respiratory (28%) systems. Serological analysis revealed IgM as the most detected marker (50%), while thrombocytopenia (92%) and hepatomegaly (34%) were frequent comorbidities. Results: Notably, gender-based differences emerged, with females exhibiting significantly higher IgG seropositivity (p=0.026) and lower hemoglobin levels (p=0.011) compared to males. Treatment regimens were largely supportive, including pantoprazole (98%), paracetamol (84%), and ondansetron (66%). Our findings highlight the critical role of early hematological and serological monitoring in identifying severe cases, while underscoring the need for gender specific considerations in dengue management. Conclusions: The study provides novel insights into the interplay between gender and disease manifestations, offering actionable evidence to refine clinical protocols and public health strategies in endemic regions. These results emphasize the importance of tailored interventions to mitigate complications and improve patient outcomes.