Abstract:

Li Xiaohui, Weng Zhisheng. Department of Dermatology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China Corresponding author: Li Xiaohui, Email: 15812438892@163.com 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate skin rash characteristics in patients with dengue fever, and to explore factors associated with the occurrence of skin rashes in dengue fever. Methods Skin rashes were observed in 127 hospitalized patients with dengue fever. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from these patients. Statistical analysis was carried out by using a two-sample t-test and chi-square test with the SPSS16.0 software. Results Out of the 127 inpatients, 88 （69.29%） had skin rashes, which usually developed within 5 － 7 （average, 5.06 ± 2.50） days after fever onset. Among the 88 patients, 37 （42.05%） developed skin rashes during fever, while 51 （57.95%） after the drop of body temperature. Moreover, 48 （54.55%） patients complained of itching, while 39 （44.32%） never felt itch, and 1 complained of a tingling sensation all over the body. The type of skin rashes was various. Congestive erythema and macules were observed on both palms in 26 （29.55%） patients, and might be the characteristic skin presentation of dengue fever. Skin rashes usually began in both lower extremities, whereas the order of their subsidence was unclear. There was a significant difference in blood platelet （PLT） count as well as alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels between patients with skin rashes and those without （all P = 0.00）. However, no significant difference was observed in the count of leukocytes, neutrophils or PLT, or the levels of alanine transaminase or aspartate transaminase between patients with hemorrhagic rashes and those with nonhemorrhagic rashes or between patients with itching and those without （all P > 0.05）. Conclusions Dengue fever has various skin rashes, and congestive erythema and macules on both palms may be the distinctive presentation of dengue fever.