Effect of the methylprednisolone in the progression of dengue with warning signs. a clinical trial

Aims and Objective:The impact of dengue on the communities affected largely depends on the presence of complicated cases requiring hospitalization and special care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a rapid intravenous infusion of methylprednisolone (MPDN) on mortality, complications, days of hospital stay, and recovery from thrombocytopenia in patients with type B dengue according WHO criteria (with warning signs) during an epidemic outbreak in Colima, Mexico. Materials and Methods: A random controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 10 patients received MPDN and 20 controls received saline solution as a placebo. Results: The mean hospital stay was 1.2 fewer days in the group treated with MPDN than in the control group (p<0.02), the recovery speed of pulse pressure was faster in the MPDN group (p = 0.03), and there were no differences in the platelet recovery rate or inthe appearance of complications or deaths. Conclusions: MPDN can be useful in the management of patients with dengue with warning signs and possibly in patients with severe forms reducing the hospital stay without undesirable effects.