Elementary analysis of clinical diagnosis and treatments for 37 imported dengue fever cases in Beijing

Objective To review the diagnosis, treatments and clinical features of the imported dengue fever cases in Beijing, so as to explore the earlier-diagnosis methods. Methods Epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, results of routine blood tests and dengue antibodies tests as well as case diagnosis and treatments of 37 dengue fever patients admitted in Beijing Ditan Hospital were collected for the analysis of the clinical diagnosis and treatments in imported dengue fever cases. Results A total of 25 male and 12 female patients without severe underlying diseases were enrolled in the study, including 3 cases of coinfection with malaria based on their epidemiology history. Epidemiologic data indicated that 2 weeks of residence history in dengue fever epidemic area were found in all 37 cases, times of hospital visiting ranged from the 2nd day to the 12th day in course of disease with a mean value of 5.5 days. More than half of the patients had symptoms or signs. Laboratory tests indicated that all patients were positive for specific IgM against dengue virus. The main treatments included liver protection, symptomatic treatment, and all of patients had indicated good prognosis. Conclusions In the non-epidemic area of dengue fever, the physicians should increase the awareness of the disease, and combine epidemiological history, comprehensive examination and early blood dengue virus specific IgM antigen, or dengue fever (NS1) virus nucleic acid testing for early diagnosis and treatments. Key words: Dengue fever; Epidemiology; Diagnosis; Treatment; Earlier-diagnosis