Dengue fever
ICD-10 A97; A90; A91 · ICD-11 1D2Z
Escalation Protocol

Dengue with Warning Signs or High-Risk Comorbidity: What to Do When Initial Fluid Therapy Does Not Achieve Clinical Improvement

This protocol applies to dengue patients classified as Group B — those with warning signs or belonging to a special high-risk population — in whom the first-line fluid approach has not produced the expected haemodynamic response within the first hour.

Clinical Scenario

The patient presents with dengue with warning signs, or is part of a special/high-risk population with comorbidity. Systolic pressure is maintained, but signs of reduced perfusion are present and haematocrit is raised — indicating ongoing capillary leakage and haemodynamic compromise.

Prior Line & Why This Protocol Is Needed

The initial approach — isotonic crystalloid at a standard rate for the first hour — did not achieve the required clinical improvement: blood pressure, pulse pressure, haematocrit, urine output, and capillary refilling all remained below target. This protocol defines the next step following that failure.

Treatment Approach (Partial Overview)

The next step involves re-evaluating the patient's haematocrit level to guide the subsequent fluid strategy — the type of fluid intervention and its urgency differ depending on that reassessment. The complete decision pathway, including when to escalate or shift the approach, is in the full protocol.

Clinical Goals

Blood pressure improved Pulse pressure improved Haematocrit decreased Urine output improved Capillary refilling improved
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References

The dengue patients with warning signs and high-risk groups are considered to be as moderately ill and classified as Group B.

Includes dengue with warning signs or all special populations

Grade B with warning signs in adults (systolic pressure maintained + signs of reduced perfusion), HCT high

If the vital signs are worsening and HCT rising rapidly, increase the rate to 5–10 mL/kg/h for 1–2 h.

(1st bolus over 15–30 min) Crystalloid or colloid 10 mL/kg/h for 1 h

Reduce IV crystalloids 7–10 mL/kg/h for 1–2 h

Blood transfusion/packed RBC

Colloid 10 mL/kg/h

Improvement BP improved, pulse pressure improved, HCT decreased, urine output improved, capillary refilling

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