FAILURE OF CARBAZOCHROME SODIUM-SULFONATE (AC-17) TO PREVENT DENGUE VASCULAR-PERMEABILITY OR SHOCK - A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: We studied the ability of carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (A C-17) to prevent capillary permeability in dengue hemorrhagic fever/de ngue shock syndrome. Method: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 95 children stratified by age and sex was conducted in two hospitals during 1992. AC-17 (n = 45 cases) or B vitamins as placebo (n = 50) we re given as a bolus infusion and then as a continuous drip for 24 hour s; a total of 300 mg of AC-17 was administered on the first 2 days and 150 mg on the third day. Results: The two groups were comparable in a ge, sex, duration of illness, and clinical manifestations. No signific ant difference in shock or pleural effusion was noted between the two groups. Shock developed in 8.9% (4/45) of patients in the AC-17 group and 6% (3/50) in the placebo group (p = 0.44). Pleural effusion was fo und at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after admission in 4.4%, 20%, 31.1%, an d 20% in the AC-17 group and 2%, 14%, 28%, and 14% in the placebo grou p, respectively. Conclusion: Administration of AC-17 does not prevent plasma leakage or shock in dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndr ome.