Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Chikungunya is generally a mild disease, rarely requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. However, certain populations may develop organ dysfunction necessitating ICU admission. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical profile and course of chikungunya patients admitted to the ICU, and to ascertain factors linked with poor outcome. METHODS: All patients with chikungunya admitted to ICU were included in the study. Admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were calculated. Primary outcome measured was 28-day mortality and secondary outcomes measured were length of hospital and ICU stay and the need for vasopressor support, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and mechanical ventilation (MV). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predicting mortality. RESULTS: The most common complaints were fever (96.67%) and altered sensorium (56.67%). Mean admission APACHE II and SOFA scores were 17.28 ± 7.9 and 7.15 ± 4.2, respectively. Fifty-one patients had underlying comorbidities. Vasopressors were required by 46.76%; RRT by 26.67%, and MV by 58.33%, respectively. The 28-day mortality was 36.67%. High APACHE II score (odds ratio: 1.535; 95% confidence interval: 1.053-2.237; P = 0.026) and need for dialysis (odds ratio: 833.221; 95% confidence interval: 1.853-374,664.825; P = 0.031) could independently predict mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chikungunya fever may require ICU admission for organ failure. They are generally elderly patients with underlying comorbidities. Despite aggressive resuscitation and organ support, these patients are at high risk of death. Admission APACHE II score and need for dialysis may predict patients at higher risk of death.