Level of Parasitaemia and its relation to hematological parameters and liver function among patients with Falciparum malaria; A Study from Central India.

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Dr. Aksharaditya Shukla, Prof. Dr. C. V. Kulkarni, Dr. Aseem Rangnekar

Introduction: In India, Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a very common infection.Liver involvement in severe Plasmodium

falciparum infection is mainly responsible for death and disability. The clinical presentation of jaundice often reflects a certain

degree of liverdamage.

Aim: To study the changes in hematological and hepatic function based on laboratory indices in patients with malaria infected

with P. falciparum.

Material and Methods: This retrospective study done in department of pathology in a tertiary care hospital in central India. It

included data collection from 46 patients diagnosed with falciparum malaria. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by thick and

thin smear examination. Hematological parameters and serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT),

alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin (total and direct) as test indicators of liver function were studied with respect to the level

of parasitaemia.

Results: Patients with moderate and high parasitaemia (3+ and 4+)had significantly lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood

cell count, lymphocytes, and platelets when compared with mild to low(3+ and 2+) parasitaemia. However, neutrophils levels,

serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin (total and direct) were deranged in all patients irrespective of level of parasitaemia.

Conclusion: Monitoring blood parameters and hepatic function enable the clinician to establish reliable and prompt diagnosis to

ensure adequate therapeutic interventions and follow up.