Differences in Albumin, Low-Density Lipoprotein, and Total Cholesterol Levels Between Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever with Warning Signs and Severe Dengue in Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i2.727Keywords:
albumin, biomarker, children, cholesterol, dengue hemorrhagic fever, LDL, severityAbstract
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a life-threatening infectious disease in children. The inability to predict clinical deterioration can lead to delayed treatment and increased mortality risk. Simple biochemical biomarkers such as albumin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol are needed for early prediction of dengue severity to enable faster and more appropriate intervention. This study aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in albumin, LDL, and total cholesterol serum levels between pediatric patients with dengue with warning signs and severe dengue, and to assess whether these biochemical alterations are associated with disease severity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children aged 1 month to 18 years with DHF at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang and M. Natsir Regional Hospital Solok from August 2024 to July 2025. Samples were divided into dengue with warning signs (n=19) and severe dengue (n=28). Total cholesterol, LDL, and albumin examinations were performed during the critical phase of DHF. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test was performed with a significance level of p<0.05. Albumin levels in dengue with warning signs (3.5 g/dL) and severe dengue (2.9 g/dL) showed a significant difference (p=0.001). LDL levels in dengue with warning signs (59.05 mg/dL) and severe dengue (49.8 mg/dL) approached but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.055). Mean total cholesterol levels in dengue with warning signs (117.4 mg/dL) and severe dengue (106.5 mg/dL) showed no significant difference (p=0.131). There is a significant relationship between albumin levels and dengue severity, with more severe hypoalbuminemia found in severe dengue, while no significant relationship was found for LDL and total cholesterol.
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