Dengue with Sickle Cell Anaemia Associated with Acute Liver Failure: A Case Report

Abstract

Aim: Dengue fever is a major health risk in endemic regions, and its complications can be severe in individuals with underlying haematological conditions like sickle cell anaemia (SCD). SCD increases the risk of Vaso-occlusive crises, haemolysis, and multi-organ dysfunction, which can be exacerbated by dengue’s endothelial damage. This case highlights the rare and complex interaction between SCD and dengue fever, particularly the severe hepatic complications due to co-existing illness, emphasizing the need for specialized treatment strategies. Case Presentation: A female patient from Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, India, with sickle cell anaemia (SCD), presented with dengue shock syndrome and severe hepatic complications. She experienced fever, shock, and liver dysfunction, worsened by both dengue and SCD. Diagnostic challenges arose due to overlapping symptoms. Management included careful hydration, pain control, and transfusion therapy, with close monitoring. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the complexities of managing patients with both SCD and dengue fever. The interaction between dengue-induced endothelial damage and SCD can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and death. Timely intervention, close monitoring, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for improving outcomes. This case underscores the need for specific treatment guidelines for managing dengue in SCD patients to reduce morbidity and mortality.