EFFECT OF VITAMIN E & VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN DENGUE FEVER - A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Background: Dengue fever, a globally significant mosquito-borne viral illness, imposes a substantial burden on tropical regions. Thrombocytopenia, characterized by reduced platelet counts, is a critical complication of dengue, often leading to bleeding complications and increased morbidity and mortality. Vitamin E and vitamin C, with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have garnered interest as potential interventions to address this issue. Materials and Methods: A rigorous prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted across multiple healthcare facilities. Adult dengue fever patients with thrombocytopenia were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin E, vitamin C, or a placebo in addition to standard dengue management. Platelet counts, time to recovery, duration of hospitalization, bleeding complications, adverse events, and adherence were assessed. Results: Vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation significantly increased platelet counts compared to the placebo group. Participants in the vitamin E group exhibited a mean increase of +25.6 ×10^3/μL, while the vitamin C group showed +28.3 ×10^3/μL compared to +7.2 ×10^3/μL in the placebo group. Time to platelet count recovery was shorter in supplemented groups (3.8 and 3.6 days) compared to the placebo group (4.5 days). Bleeding complications were reduced in supplemented groups (6% and 4.5%) compared to the placebo group (12%). Adverse events did not significantly differ among groups. Conclusion: Vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation, as adjunctive therapies in dengue management, improved platelet counts, expedited recovery, and reduced bleeding complications without a notable increase in adverse events. Gender-based variations in treatment response warrant further investigation. These findings emphasize the potential role of vitamin supplementation in enhancing dengue fever outcomes, underlining the significance of evidence-based interventions in resource-constrained settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]