Dengue hemorrhagic fever in infancy at Petchabun Hospital, Thailand.

Prospective study of dengue hemorrhagic fever in infancy at the Pediatric Department, Petchabun Hospital during May 1997 to April 1999 is reported. There were 31 patients (2.9%) from total DHF cases of 1,044. Ten patients from 31 (32.2%) were referred from district hospitals. Male to female ratio was 17:14 (1.2:1). Maximal, minimal and median ages were 11.5 months, 22 days and 8 months, respectively. All patients had signs, symptoms and laboratory results compatible with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Serologic response was primary dengue infection. Five patients (16.1%) had gastrointestinal hemorrhage, all of them needed blood transfusion. Crystalline solution was fluid of choice given to all patients. Three patients were complicated with febrile convulsions. All patients had rapid and uneventful recovery.