When Dengue Goes Neurological: Encephalopathy in An Adolescent Male
I Gusti Agung Ayu Sriningrat1*, Ni Nyoman Wulan Yuanitasari1, Sulistio Ivena Clairine1, Delicia Rudy1, Anak Agung Made Sucipta2
Abstract
Background: Neurological involvement in dengue virus infection has increased significantly in recent years. Dengue encephalopathy, the most frequent neurological manifestation of dengue infection, occurs in 0.5% to 21% of cases. Among pediatric patients, neurological complications are associated with a mortality rate of up to 10%. Early recognition and timely treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes and long-term sequelae. Objective: To highlight the importance of considering dengue infection as a potential cause of encephalopathy in febrile patients. Case: A 15-year-old male presented with altered consciousness, cold extremities, and a weak pulse. He had experienced a fever for three days prior to admission. His consciousness gradually improved following fluid resuscitation. Subsequently, he developed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with bloody mucus, and spontaneous gum bleeding. Physical examination revealed epigastric tenderness. Laboratory findings showed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated hematocrit, hypoalbuminemia, compensated metabolic acidosis, ketonuria, hematuria, and a normal head CT scan. He was diagnosed with dengue encephalopathy and managed with fluid resuscitation, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) transfusion, and supportive treatment. The patient showed gradual improvement and fully recovered after seven days of hospitalization, four days in intensive care, and three days in a regular ward. Conclusion: Early identification of dengue encephalopathy is needed to enable prompt and appropriate treatment. Despite a severe clinical presentation, full recovery is possible with timely and comprehensive management.
Keywords
Dengue encephalopathy; adolescent; altered consciousness; neurological complication; dengue fever
Cite This Article
Sriningrat, I. G. A., Yuanitasari, N. N. W., Clairine, S. I., Rudy, D., Sucipta, A. A. M. (2025). When Dengue Goes Neurological: Encephalopathy in An Adolescent Male. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025, Pages 1215-1219 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Volume6-Issue6-Nov-Dec-No.997-1215-1219.pdf
Volume 6 | Issue 6: Nov – Dec 2025
