BackgroundSevere dengue has been linked to the presence of atypical lymphocytes, which can be quantified using the Q-flag parameter on a hematology analyzer. A higher atypical lymphocyte count has previously been associated with severe dengue. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the atypical lymphocyte score to provide an early prognosis for dengue severity.MethodA prospective observational study enrolled adult patients admitted to the Infectious Disease ward with a febrile illness of less than 7 days. Blood samples obtained daily until discharge, were processed with XN-20 hematology analyzer with specific attention given to atypical lymphocyte score. Severe dengue cases were classified according to the 2009 World Health Organization Classification.ResultsA total of 287 cases of laboratory-confirmed dengue, including 25 severe cases, were included. Dengue fever compared to non-dengue patients manifested increased lymphocytes within the high fluorescent zone on Day 6,The atypical lymphocyte score (ALS) of severe dengue showed an early rise, reaching a saturation point of 300 and remaining stable within the timeframe of days 4 to 8 post-fever onset. All but one severe dengue patient had a score exceeding 100 on day 4 post fever onset.ResultsA total of 287 cases of laboratory-confirmed dengue, including 25 severe cases, were included. Dengue fever compared to non-dengue patients manifested increased lymphocytes within the high fluorescent zone on Day 6,The atypical lymphocyte score (ALS) of severe dengue showed an early rise, reaching a saturation point of 300 and remaining stable within the timeframe of days 4 to 8 post-fever onset. All but one severe dengue patient had a score exceeding 100 on day 4 post fever onset.ConclusionAn atypical lymphocyte score below 100 on day 4 post fever onset, may serve as a predictive indicator that severe dengue is less likely to develop, potentially allowing for a lower level of medical intervention. These findings may contribute to more efficient resource allocation during outbreaks.Trial registrationThe study was registered under National Medical Research Registration of Malaysia, (NMRR-18-3347-45473, 1 Sept 2019).
[1]Univ Malaya, Fac Med, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
[2]Sysmex Asia Pacific, R&D Ctr Asia Pacific, 9 Tampines Grande,Asia Green 06-18, Singapore, Singapore.
[3]Univ Malaya, Med Ctr, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia.
[4]UCSI Univ, Fac Appl Sci, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.
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