Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a type of hypovolemic shock, primarily caused by plasma leakage.
Dengue fever can progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), which can then lead to DSS. This progression involves significant plasma leakage from the intravascular space into the extravascular space. This loss of fluid volume within the blood vessels leads to hypovolemia.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when the circulating blood volume is insufficient to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. In DSS, the increased vascular permeability causes this dramatic fluid shift, resulting in:
- Reduced blood pressure (hypotension): Due to decreased circulating volume.
- Narrow pulse pressure: The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreases.
- Organ dysfunction: Inadequate blood flow compromises organ function.
The primary mechanism behind dengue shock is not cardiac failure or vasodilation, distinguishing it from cardiogenic or distributive (septic) shock. Instead, it's the loss of intravascular fluid that leads to the circulatory collapse.
