Effect of Malaria on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters

Abstract

Background: Alterations in biochemical and hematological are found to be dependent on type of parasite of malaria, endemicity of the area, various demographic factors, and nutritional status of the person, immunity to the malaria, and presence or absence of hemoglobinopathies. Hence, if these parameters are monitored during clinical illness of malaria, they are of great importance to the treating physician to take a decision on prognosis and further management of the cases. They can even assess the severity of the malaria based on changes in these biochemical and hematological parameters. Objective: To study the effect of malaria on biochemical and hematological parameters. Methods: During the study period, 40 confirmed cases of malaria and 10 negative controls were investigated. Their hematological, biochemical, and liver parameters and electrolytes were compared. Unpaired t-test and analysis of variance were applied to study the intergroup comparisons. Results: Hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, basophils, and monocytes were significantly decreased in cases, but neutrophils were significantly more in cases (P < 0.05). Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were significantly decreased in cases (P < 0.05). Creatinine, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were significantly increased in cases (P < 0.05). Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in cases, but total proteins and albumin were significantly decreased in cases (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Malaria had a significant impact on biochemical, liver, hematological parameters, and electrolytes. Hence, they should be regularly monitored in all admitted cases of malaria, which will help the treating physician to take appropriate decision on clinical management of the disease.