Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : September 23, 2015 5:15 PM IST
The deadly dengue scare is getting worst day-by-day. More than 3,791 people tested positive for dengue and 17 people reported dead in the capital city due to this viral disease. Although high fever for 3 4 days and low platelet count are the key signs of dengue, doctors say that high haemoglobin levels in the body could be a key symptom of severe dengue infection and if neglected might lead to medical emergency. It was believed that a dropping platelet count might increase the risk of mortality in dengue patients. However, in 20% of cases, the patient shows a stable platelet count even if haemoglobin level increase, signifying that the person is suffering from severe dehydration and thus need urgent medical attention. (Read: Dengue -- symptoms, treatment, home remedies and prevention)
Haemoglobin count when to worry?
Haemoglobin is a blood protein that helps in the transportation of oxygen in the body. The normal level of haemoglobin per 100 ml of blood is 13 16 g in men and 11-13 g in women. Brig (Dr) Ajay Sharma, professor and head, department of medicine and clinical hematology at the Army (Research and Referral) Hospital in an Interview to TOI said that a patient with 10% increase in average haemoglobin level, even if the platelet count is within normal range should be rushed to hospital. He further exclaimed that most doctors wait for the platelet count to fall telling the patients not to worry, which is not right. Here is everything you need to know about CBC (complete blood count).
Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-doc Center Of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology quoted that people suffering from dengue tend to show low fluid intake that in turn lead to dehydration. And when it becomes severe, the blood tissues dry up and show a high hematocrit (packed cell volume pcv) level with increase haemoglobin levels. In some cases, this cal also lead to ascites - a condition in which fluid build-up occurs in the abdomen.
How can this be treated?
If the blood levels of haemoglobin are high, the first line of treatment should be intravenous or oral administration of fluids to prevent further dehydration. In some cases, the patient might feel better although the temperature is within control and the platelet count might be low. But this is not a critical sign unless there is no active bleeding, says Brig (Dr) Sharma. You may also like to read step by step guide for speedy recovery from dengue.
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