Dengue Shock Syndrome With Pleural Effusion in Pediatrics : A Case-Based Review

Abstract

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia. This article reports describes the case of an 8-year-10-month-old girl presenting with a five-day history of persistent fever accompanied by generalized weakness, headache, epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Upon admission, physical examination revealed a criticallly ill patient weighing 28 kilograms, with clinical signs of shock, including tachycardia, tachypnea, cold extremities, delayed capillary refill, and minimal pleural effusion on chest radiography. Laboratory findings revealed thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia and hemoconcentration. A working diagnosis of Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) with electrolyte imbalance was established. The patient received fluid resuscitation, inotropic, supportive therapy and family education regarding disease course and prognosis. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt management, and close monitoring of pediatric patients with severe dengue manifestations to prevent potentially fatal complications.