Asian Journal of Health Research
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2025): Volume 4 No 3 (December) 2025

A Rare Pediatric Case of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever with Encephalopathy and Suspected Subdural Hemorrhage

Aulia Cempakasari (Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Tiara Rahmawati (Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Alief Qobidh Al Bashor Arifin (Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Dewi Syahputri (Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Firdha Yekti Hutami (Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Renata Prameswari (Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
Pramita Anindya Nugraheni (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University East Java, Indonesia)
Ronald Pratama Adiwinoto (Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, East Java, Indonesia)
I Made Dwi Mertha Adnyana (Department of Medical Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Jambi, Jambi, Indonesia/ Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Dec 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a severe arboviral infection that rarely leads to neurological complications. Dengue encephalopathy, often secondary to metabolic disturbances or shock, presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge in the pediatric population. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 4-year-3-month-old obese girl presenting with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and progressively decreasing consciousness (apathetic). Diagnosis of DHF was confirmed by a positive NS1 antigen test, severe thrombocytopenia (nadir 14,000/µL), and hemoconcentration with pleural effusion. Hepatic involvement was noted (SGOT 117.81 U/L). Neurological involvement was characterized by clinical encephalopathy, and a head CT scan revealed hyperdense lesions suspecting subdural hemorrhage (SDH). The patient required multidisciplinary management in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for supportive fluid therapy, inotropic support (Dobutamine), and platelet transfusion. The patient showed marked clinical improvement and was discharged on day nine. At a two-week post-discharge follow-up, she demonstrated full cognitive and motor recovery with no neurological sequelae Conclusion: This case highlights the critical need for clinical vigilance for rare, simultaneous neurological complications (encephalopathy and suspected SDH) in pediatric DHF. It underscores that early diagnosis and aggressive, multidisciplinary supportive care can lead to complete recovery even in severe presentations.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

a-jhr

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Asian Journal of Health Research (AJHR) is an open access journal published by Ikatan Dokter Indonesia Wilayah Jawa Timur and launched in 2022. This journal is peer reviewed publishing to communicate high quality research, general articles, and all fundamental research/ clinical studies relevant to ...