Hyperferritinemia as an Indicator of Severity in Dengue Fever - A Prospective Observational Study

Merapala Rama Sai Lakshmi Sri Nivedita, V. Mahesh

Abstract: Background: Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions like India. Early prediction of severe cases is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Serum ferritin, a known acute phase reactant, may serve as a potential marker of disease severity. Objectives: To evaluate serum ferritin levels in patients diagnosed with dengue fever and determine its correlation with disease severity. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 adult patients with confirmed dengue infection. Serum ferritin levels were measured on admission and correlated with WHO-defined clinical severity markers. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant associations. Results: Serum ferritin levels were significantly elevated in patients with severe dengue compared to those with non-severe disease (p<0.05). Ferritin levels >1000 ng/mL were strongly associated with complications such as thrombocytopenia, elevated hematocrit, liver dysfunction, and prolonged hospitalization. A positive correlation was observed between ferritin levels and disease severity score. Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is significantly associated with severe dengue and may serve as a cost-effective, early biomarker for prognostication. Routine ferritin measurement may aid in triaging high-risk patients for closer monitoring and early intervention.

Keywords: Dengue Fever, Serum Ferritin, Hyperferritinemia, Disease Severity, Biomarker, Prospective Study