Inflammatory markers as a prognostic tool in acute undifferentiated febrile illness: Study from eastern Nepal

Type of artical: Original Research Article

Section: AUFI clinical evaluation discharge prognostic tool

Background & objectives: Infectious diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and death in India. Aim of this study was to asses prognosis of disease on value of inflammatory markers in patients with an acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI).

Methods: All patients aged 18 years or older who report with an AUFI and have no clear source of infection after the initial clinical assessment. The patients underwent tests for Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) on the first day of admission. These tests were then repeated every third day of sickness until discharge.

Results: 42% cases were in 26 – 35 yr age group with mean age of study population was 29.23 ± 8.04yr and male: female ratio of 1:2.54. 120 (60%) were positive for dengue, 50 (25%) for malaria, for enteric fever 30 (15%). In our study dengue was significantly associated with levels of CRP, LDH, and TLC, whereas malaria and enteric fever were not associated with TLC levels.

Conclusions: Our study shows higher values of inflammatory markers are early prognostic markers for the AUFI.