Doctor Bui Trong Hop, a specialist in Infectious Diseases at the Department of General Internal Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the patient received fluid replacement, symptom management, and liver function support. During treatment, the patient's platelet count plummeted to 28,000/mm³ (less than one-fifth of the normal level), acute hepatitis developed, and liver enzymes surged approximately 20-30 times the normal range, indicating acute liver damage caused by dengue fever.

After 6 days of treatment, his indicators gradually improved, his health stabilized, platelet count recovered, and liver enzymes progressively decreased, leading to his discharge.

Dengue fever typically progresses through three stages over 7-10 days. In the early days, patients often experience sudden high fever, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, and nausea. Some cases may present with small skin hemorrhages, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums. After 3-4 days, the fever may subside, and patients might feel less fatigued, but the illness can enter a critical phase due to decreasing platelet counts.

Decreased platelets place patients at risk of hemorrhage, shock, or organ damage to the liver, heart, or kidneys. Therefore, close monitoring for signs during this stage is crucial. If patients overcome the critical stage, they recover with stable hemodynamics and normal platelet counts.

Doctor Hop advises a patient during a follow-up examination. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

According to Doctor Hop, severe dengue fever is not solely characterized by hemorrhage; the dengue virus can damage multiple organs, with the liver being frequently affected.

He also advises dengue patients not to be complacent once their fever subsides. If, during this period, symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, lethargy, cold extremities, reduced urination, or extreme fatigue appear, patients should seek medical attention promptly.

By Nhat Thanh

*Patient's name has been changed*