Hematological profile in Plasmodium vivax malaria in western Rajasthan.

Rajesh Chetiwal; Rahul Gupta; Jyoti Bagla; Manoj Lakhotia

Volume : V, Issue : X, October - 2015

Hematological profile in Plasmodium vivax malaria in western Rajasthan.

Rajesh Chetiwal, Rahul Gupta, Jyoti Bagla, Manoj Lakhotia

Abstract :

 Background: As the target of malaria parasite is RBC, it can cause haematological abnormalities that range from anemia, pancytopenia and hemostatic abnormalities ranging from asymptomatic thrombocytopenia to fulminant disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Objective: Hematological disturbances in relation to anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia in Plasmodium vivax malaria. Study design: A prospective observational study was done in 782 patients with positive plasmodium vivax malaria, attending tertiary care teaching hospital in western Rajasthan, India. Methodology: Patients with acute feile illness admitted in a tertiary care hospital, from January 2010 to January 2011, diagnosed as plasmodium vivax malaria. The diagnosis of malaria was established on peripheral blood film examination, Malarial Parasite Qunatitative Buffy Coat or rapid diagnostic test detecting antigen. Hematological parameters were observed. Thrombocytopenia and its association with bleeding manifestation was also looked for. Results: In this prospective observational study 782 patients were enrolled, 64.7 % male and 35.3% were female. Majority (55.6%) of patients were in younger age group (11 to30 years old). In vivax malaria, anaemia was observed in 75.44% patients, more in female( 83.33% )than in males (71.14%).Thrombocytopenia was present in 85.29% and leukopenia in 27.66% and pancytopenia in 13.68% patients. Majority(80%) were having mild to moderate thrombocytopenia and only 7% patient had platelet count <20000. Less than 1/5 of patients with platelet count <20,000/µl showed bleeding manifestations. Conclusion: P.vivax malaria, though considered as benign malaria, is giving rise to many hematological abnormalities sometimes adding to the growing morbidity and mortality. Thus if hematological changes are noticed in time, the management and the outcome can surely be modified.