Thrombocytopenia in malaria: Correlation with various prevalent species.

ABSTRACT

Background: Most of the patients suffering from malaria shows reduced Red cell count, leukopenia and varying degree of thrombocytopenia but it is rarely associated with haemorrhagic manifestations. Aims & Objective: This study was undertaken to correlate the incidence and severity of thrombocytopenia with the prevalent species of malaria. Material and Methods: Total 1480 Patients were included in this study after positive identification on PSMP. Platelet count was done by haematology analyser (Sysmax Kx 21). Results: Incidence of thrombocytopenia was seen in 83.80% and 74% cases of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria respectively. Severe thrombocytopenia in P. falciparum was found in 7.70% cases while in P. vivax 3.67% cases. No difference was observed in incidence of thrombocytopenia in both age groups in relation to both prevalent species. In paediatric age group, significant leukopenia was found in 22.22% Cases of P. falciparum in comparison to P. vivax (14.96%). Hb less than 10 mg/dl was found in 66.11% cases in P. Falciparum while in P. vivax it was found in 40.13% cases. In adults leukopenia was found in 27.46% Cases of P. falciparum in comparison to P. vivax 22.61% cases. Hb less than 10 mg/dl was found in 41.28% cases in P. falciparum while in P. vivax it was found in 28.57% cases. Conclusion: Severe thrombocytopenia is commonly associated with P. falciparum malaria however severe thrombocytopenia also observed in P. Vivax malaria. In both species of malaria significant number paediatric patients present with low Hb level compared to adults. In P. vivax malaria significant number of adult patients presented with leukopenia as compared to paediatric patients.