ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENT OF GALLBLADDER WALL THICKENING AS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND PROGNOSTIC INDICATOR FOR SEVERE DENGUE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Gallbladder wall thickening measured by ultrasound was significantly associated with severe dengue, as well as with hallmark features of thrombocytopenia and elevated hematocrit/hemoconcentration, in children with suspected dengue in Nicaragua. We demonstrate that gallbladder wall thickening serves as a clinically relevant diagnostic test and prognostic indicator of severe dengue in pediatric populations.