Clinical characterization, diagnosis and socioeconomic impact of hospitalized dengue in Cambodia.

Abstract

Dengue infection is endemic among children in Cambodia. Few studies have described the clinical characteristics, diagnoses and the socioeconomic impact of hospitalized dengue cases. As part of a multicountry prospective dengue study, we analysed interviews and record reviews of 123 consecutive cases of children hospitalized with confirmed dengue in a major public provincial hospital. About 80% of cases evidenced plasma leak. On average, a hospitalized dengue case lasted 6.3 days, with 3.3 days of inpatient care, and cost US$116 (‎Singapore dollar 48)‎. The majority (‎88%)‎ of these cases’ households reported a substantial adverse economic impact, perhaps explained by their inability to afford medical care (‎39%)‎, or on account of loss of five or more days of income (‎91%)‎, need to borrow money beyond family or friends (‎39%)‎, being compelled to sell or sale of property (‎53%)‎ to pay for treatment. Hospitalized dengue has major clinical and socioeconomic consequences in Cambodia.