Utilization of Local Remedies among Dengue Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

Dengue viral infection (DVI) affects ~ 400 million people annually, with ~ 100 million cases causing clinical illness. Limited therapeutic options often lead patients to adopt alternative remedies. This study evaluates the prevalence and impact of such remedies on outcomes in patients admitted to a tertiary care emergency department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center, observational study was conducted from July 2022 to September 2023, including 170 patients aged >12 years with severe DVI or DVI with warning signs, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The use of local remedies such as goat's milk, papaya leaves/extract, neem leaves, giloy juice, and alternative medicine was documented. Outcomes, including mortality and hospital stay duration, were compared between remedy users and non-users.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 36 years, with 60% males and 50% from rural areas. 35.29% used local remedies, with goat's milk (23.52%) and papaya leaves/extract (15.29%) being the most common. The median duration of remedy use was 2 days. Mortality was 6.67% in remedy users and 8.4% in non-users ( = 0.28). The median hospital stay was 4 days for both groups, with no significant outcome differences.

CONCLUSION

One-third of DVI patients used local remedies, with goat's milk being the most prevalent. However, no significant impact on mortality or hospital stay was observed.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Rajpal A, Pannu AK, Behera A, Sharma N, Hanumanthappa MK. Utilization of Local Remedies among Dengue Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(2):148-150.