Dengue, an arboviral illness, is notorious for inducing thrombocytopenia, leading to bleeding and heightened mortality risk. Carica papaya leaf extract has shown efficacy in elevating platelet counts. A 35-year-old male presented with fever, fatigue, and body pain persisting for four days. Additionally, he complained of severe back pain, ocular discomfort, and brief episodes of nosebleeds. Testing revealed a positive NS1 antigen, prompting the initiation of intravenous normal saline, paracetamol, and papaya extract tablets. Despite initial platelet levels of 74,000, a subsequent decline to 30,650 was observed following another nosebleed. Subsequently, the patient's spouse administered freshly prepared papaya leaf extract orally three to four times daily, resulting in a platelet count of 120,320 on day 14. Timely recognition of declining platelet levels and the commencement of C. Papaya leaf extract contributed significantly to averting mortality risks.
Keywords: acute dengue; carica papaya (c. papaya) extract; carica papaya leaf extract; carica papaya seeds; dengue fever/complications; dengue thrombocytopenia; high fever; natural medicine; non-severe dengue; thrombocytopenia.
Copyright © 2024, Haward et al.