Frequency of thrombocytopenia in children suffering from Malaria

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in children suffering from malaria. Descriptive Study. This study was carried out in pediatric department of Bolan Medical College Quetta during 18 months from April to October 2011. A total of 140 malaria parasite positive on peripheral film children from 6 months to 7 years of age hospitalized due to febrile illness were included in the study. Hematological parameters were determined by using automated analyzer. Those with reduced platelets count were reevaluated by manual method. Thick and thin smear stained with Giemsa for malaria parasite was studied by hematologist. Mild thrombocytopenia was labeled with platelets count < 150,000 to > 50,000 /cumm, moderate with platelets count of < 50,000 to > 20,000/cumm and severe with platelets count < 20,000/cumm. Out of 140 malaria parasite positive children, 100 [71.4%] had thrombocytopenia while 40 [28.6%] had normal platelets count. Mild thrombocytopenia was common in p falciparum 40% as compared to 14% in p vivax. Moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was common in p vivax 28% and 4% against p falciparum 12% and 2% respectively. 94 [67.1%] were male and 46 [32.9%] female. Thrombocytopenia was found to be significant in children suffering from malaria. Mild thrombocytopenia was common in p falciparum but the moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was common in p vivax