RESUMEN
Objective: the aim of present study was to evaluate hematological changes in malaria in Mardan, Pakistan
Methods: this prospective observational study was conducted at O.P.D of Mardan MedicalComplex Mardan from July to September 2015. A total of 115 patients were divided to age groupsof< 15 and > 15 years old. Malaria parasite was examined using thick and thin smears stained with Giemsa stain and also cross-checked by ICT. Those patients with a confirmed diagnosis of malaria were investigated for platelets, hemoglobin and total leukocyte count on Automatic hematology analyzer [Mindray] and studied by hematologist. Data was tabulated, descriptive statistics analyzed; the chi-square test was applied to evaluate statistical significance of the studied variable between groups on SPSS version 20. A p-value of 0.05 or less was used for statistical significance
Results: a total of 115 patients were included in the study. Male were 56[48.7%] and females 59[51.3%], the mean age of study group was 10.62[3.89]. According to age group, patients were divided into two groups; those <15 years comprised of 102[88.7%], while> 15 years were found 13[11.3%]. P. vivax was seen in 108[93.9%] and P. falciparum 7[6.1%] patients. Out of total population 70[60.9%] were found anemic, 79[68.7%] had mild thrombocytopenia and 4[3.5%] with moderate thrombocytopenia and sever leucopenia were found 2[1.7%], mild leucopenia 24[20.9%], mid leucocytosis 1[0.9%]. Patients with P.vivax aged <15 years had found anemia 59[62.1 %] with p=0.56, moderate thrombocytopenia 4[4.2%] [p=0.05], sever leucopenia 2[2.11 %], mild leucopenia 13[13.7%] and mild leukocytosis 1 [1.1 %] with p=0.001
Conclusions: the present study concludes that thrombocytopenia and anemia are common hematological findings in patient with Plasmodium infection particularly vivax species infection in Mardan region. Therefore, malaria should be a consideration in febrile patients with low platelets and haemoglobin