Profile of hematological parameters in plasmodium falciparum malaria: A study from West Bengal

Abstract

Objectives: Anemia is one of the main clinical presentations of severe malaria caused by P. falciparum and one of the major morbidities of malaria. This study was undertaken to explore the burden of anemia and hematological derangement in patients with P. falciparum malaria. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 186 patients of all age groups suffering from falciparum malaria. Complete blood count (CBC) with peripheral blood smear, reticulocyte count, liver function test (LFT) and plasma hemoglobin were done in all patients. Direct Coombs test (DCT) and urine for hemoglobin was estimated in 19 patients where hemolytic anemia was suspected. Results: Anemia was seen in majority (78.7%) of the patients; 82.7% of males, 70.6% of females and 87.2% of children had anemia. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 9.1% cases. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia was seen in 33.8% patients though plasma hemoglobin was raised in only 1.1% patients. DCT was positive in 3 patients (15.7%) and hemoglobinuria was seen in 2 patients (10.5%). Conclusion: The present study revealed that anemia is one of the common manifestations of falciparum malaria and requires special attention to reduce the burden of this morbidity.