Thrombopathy and Bleeding manifestations in Patients with Dengue Fever

Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are caused by the dengue virus. The main pathophysiological hallmark that distinguishes DHF from DF is the plasma leakage. Following this leakage, hypovolemic shock occurs as a consequence of a critical plasma volume loss. Constant hematological alterations occurring in DHF and frequently include bone marrow suppression, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. An enhanced immune response of the host to a secondary Dengue Virus infection is a feature of DHF and leads to many consequences.The mechanisms underlying the bleeding in Dengue are multiple. These are vasculopathy, thrombopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Thrombopathy consists of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. DIC is prominent in patients with dengue infection. The most severe DIC and massive bleeding are the result of prolonged shock and cause a fatal outcome. The mechanisms of thrombopathy and causes were discussed in this book.