A Case Report of Early Diagnosis and Supportive Nutritional Management of Paediatric Dengue with Moderate Thrombocytopenia

Case Report

Abstract

Dengue fever is a global public health burden, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the Aedes mosquito vector thrives. This viral illness manifests with a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild febrile illness to severe haemorrhagic fever and shock. A critical haematological feature often observed is thrombocytopenia, which poses significant risks for coagulopathy and bleeding complications in paediatric populations. This case study details the clinical trajectory of a 6-year-old female patient who presented with high-grade fever, myalgia, and vomiting subsequent to sylvatic exposure. Diagnostic evaluation confirmed dengue infection via NS1 antigen positivity, while concurrent thrombocytopenia was noted with a nadir of 85,000/µL. Differential diagnoses including enteric fever and malaria were systematically excluded through serological and microscopic analysis. The management strategy prioritized aggressive yet carefully monitored intravenous hydration coupled with a structured nutritional regimen rich in antioxidants and micronutrients presumed to support thrombopoiesis. The patient received a diet fortified with Carica papaya (papaya), Punica granatum (pomegranate), and Vitamin C-rich sources alongside standard antipyretic therapy. This conservative, non-transfusion-based approach resulted in a rapid normalization of platelet indices and complete clinical recovery within seven days. The successful outcome shows the role of early diagnosis, vigilance in monitoring haemodynamic parameters, and the potential adjunctive benefits of nutritional optimization in managing paediatric dengue with moderate thrombocytopenia, thereby reducing the reliance on blood product transfusions in haemodynamically stable patients