EFFECT OF VITAMIN E & VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN DENGUE FEVER – A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN CHILDREN AGED 2–12 YEARS

Abstract

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of dengue fever and significantly contributes to disease severity and bleeding complications in paediatric patients. Oxidative stress plays a key role in dengue pathogenesis, suggesting that antioxidant therapy may enhance haematological recovery.

Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin C and E supplementation on platelet recovery, bleeding incidence, and recovery time in children with dengue fever.

Methods:This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Dept. of Paediatrics, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. Sixty children aged 2–12 years with serologically confirmed dengue and platelet counts <100,000/mm³ were randomized equally into an intervention group (Vitamin C 500 mg/day + Vitamin E 200 mg/day for 5 days) and a control group (placebo). Primary outcome was mean platelet count on Day 5. Secondary outcomes included bleeding incidence, time to platelet recovery, and adverse events.

Results:All participants completed the study. The intervention group showed significantly higher mean platelet counts on Day 5 (~115,000/mm³ vs. ~80,000/mm³; p<0.05) and a greater rise from baseline (~52,500/mm³ vs. ~30,000/mm³). Bleeding incidence was reduced in the intervention group (6–10% vs. 20%), and time to platelet recovery was shorter (mean 4 vs. 6 days). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:Supplementation with Vitamin C and E significantly improves platelet recovery, reduces bleeding risk, and shortens recovery time in paediatric dengue patients. This antioxidant therapy is safe, cost-effective, and potentially valuable as an adjunct to standard dengue management, especially in resource-limited settings.