DENGUE IN PEDIATRIC HEMATO-ONCOLOGY PATIENTS: CASE REPORTS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the presentation of dengue in pediatric hemato-oncologic patients at a single institution in southern Brazil. It is an observational and descriptive study based on the analysis of notification forms and medical records of pediatric patients treated at the Cancer Hospital of Cascavel between January 2023 and July 2024. A total of nine patients were evaluated; all tested positive for the NS1 antigen and had a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The most common clinical signs included fever, nausea, myalgia, and leukopenia; a sudden drop in platelet count was identified as one of the warning signs. All cases had a favorable outcome, without complications, and were discharged after seven to fifteen days of hospitalization. In healthy children, dengue infection is usually asymptomatic, unlike its presentation in children undergoing cancer treatment. In these patients, special attention is required, as signs and symptoms may mimic relapse of the underlying disease. Further studies in this area are needed to enhance understanding in cancer patients.