Characteristics of the Dengue patients.

Dengue classification was performed according to the definitions of the World Health Organization (WHO) [27]. DHF classification required fever or a history of acute fever, bleeding manifestation, and signs of plasma leakage, which included hemoconcentration, ascites, or pleural effusion with evidence of thrombocytopenia. DSS classification required DHF manifestation plus evidence of clinical hypovolemic shock. Cases of Dengue were confirmed by Dengue virus RNA detection by RT-PCR and IgM antibody capture (MAC) ELISA in the first or second paired samples. Dengue virus was isolated using plasma samples collected between days 4–6. Primary or secondary infection was determined by the AFRIMS method. Hct increase was determined by a >20% increase compared with the normal range of the population. Thrombocytopenia was defined as 3.*GI bleeding: Gastrointestinal bleeding.**Plasma leakage signs: Ascites and pleural effusion.