Frequency and clinical factors associated with myocarditis among patients with dengue fever: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Karachi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55629/pakjpathol.v37i3.1035Abstract
Objectives: The study aims to determine the frequency of myocarditis among patients presenting with dengue fever and identify the clinical factors associated with myocarditis at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, Memon Medical Institute, Karachi (22 September 2025 to 22 March 2026). A total of 387 patients aged 15–70 years with confirmed dengue fever were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with pre-existing cardiac diseases, congenital heart defects, active viral infections other than dengue, pregnancy, and severe co-morbid illnesses were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were recorded on a structured proforma. All patients underwent electrocardiography and laboratory investigations including serum troponin I, serum bicarbonate, and serum creatinine. Echocardiography was performed when clinically indicated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Associations between myocarditis and study variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p≤0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.8±14.2 years, and 232 (59.9%) were males. Myocarditis was identified in 16 (4.1%) patients. Duration of fever (p=0.049), hospital stay duration (p<0.001), elevated troponin I (p<0.001), abnormal echocardiography (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.006), diabetes mellitus (p=0.009), atrial fibrillation (p<0.001), low serum bicarbonate (p<0.001), and high serum creatinine (p<0.001) were significantly associated with myocarditis.
Conclusion: Myocarditis was an uncommon complication of dengue fever. Several clinical and laboratory factors were significantly associated with myocarditis and may aid in its early identification and timely management.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, Dengue fever, Echocardiography, Hypertension, Myocarditis, Troponin I.
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