IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr(Prof) Amar Verma; Dr Umendra Kumar; Dr Monazeer Ahsan

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

Observations on presence of malaria parasite in patients suffering from haemoglobinopathies (Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anemia) in Tertiary Care Hospital, RIMS Ranchi

Dr Prof Amar Verma, Dr Umendra Kumar, Dr Monazeer Ahsan

Abstract :

Introduction: Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are common haemoglobinopathies in many states of India including Jharkhand. Although epidemiological observations suggest that patients with sickle cell trait and thalassemia are relatively immune to anemia. But contrary to classical teaching severe complications and heavy malarial parasitemia has been observed in patients of sickle cell anemia. This is against the current belief that sickle cell gene protects against heavy parasitemia. Aims and objective: To study the presence and incidence of malaria in sickle cell anemia and thalassemia patients. Material and methods: This was a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in RIMS Ranchi over one year period from April 2016 to March 2017. 104 patients of thalassemia and sickle cell disease, presented with fever over the period from April 2016 to March 2017 were included in this study. Relevant clinical examination and blood investigation including peripheral blood examination for malarial parasite (thick and thin smear) was done. Conclusion: There is presence of malaria in thalassemia and sickle anemia patients (Incidence–18% in SCA and 14% in Thalassemia) which is in contrast to classical teaching.