1. Farzana Chang 2. Mir Muhammad Sahito 3. Romela Naz 4. Rabia Shams 

5. Riaz Ahmad Sahito

1.Assoc. Prof. of Pathology, LUMHS, Hyderabad 2. Assoc. Prof. of Forensic Medicine, MMC, Mirpur 

3.  Asstt. Prof. of Forensic Medicine, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences 

4.  Prof. of Pathology, PUM&HSW, SBA, 5. Asstt. Prof. Pathology, PUM&HSW, SBA.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To find out the prevalence and proportion of anemia in pregnant women suffering from malaria. The aims & objectives of our study were to evaluate prevalence & proportion of anemia in pregnant women with malaria among the patients visiting the tertiary hospital PUMHS Hospital, Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad so as to give awareness of these complications to doctors to ensure early diagnosis,  prevention & prompt treatment of such cases. Study Design: Descriptive observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Outpatient Department of MMCH Hospital & Department of Pathology from April 2012 to February 2013. 

Materials and Methods: Study includes total 120 cases of malaria, diagnosed on the basis of clinical & laboratory findings. The hematological complications like anemia, leukocytosis & thrombocytopenia were studied in these patients.  

Results: Out of 120, 64 patients were anemic. We divided pregnant women into 5 groups, 40 patients were in 16 – 20 years age group and amongst them 55% patients were anemic, 34 patients were in 21 – 25 years age group and amongst them 50% were suffering from anemia, 22 patients were in age group 26-30 & amongst them 22 % anemic, 15 cases were in age group 31 – 35 & out of them 46% were anemic and in age group 36 – 40 years 46 percent were anemic. Overall there were 53% anemic patients in total of 120. According to the occupation status majority were daily wages laborers and farmers and other were housewives. Out of 120 patients most of them were Multigravida. Most of the patients were suffering from anemia, 76% patients had Leucocytosis with Neutrophillia, 74 percent patients had complication of Lymphocytosis, 80 percent of patients had decreased level of monocytes and 60 percent had decreased level of platelets. All the patients were suffering from fever and associated symptoms of chills, sweating, feeling of hotness and coldness, 63 percent had back pain, 45 percent had headache and 23 percent had complication of Spleenomegaly. The diagnosis of malaria was made on clinical grounds & confirmed by laboratory findings. The problems of hematological complications as anemia, leukocytosis & thrombocytopenia were detected among the patient of malaria by determining hemoglobin concentration, complete blood picture & urine examination report.  

Conclusions: P.vivax malaria is most prevalent variety. Anemia, leukocytosis & thrombocytopenia are the most common hematological complications in these patients. It is suggested to ensure  i. Effective malaria control program in country, specially interior Sindh.  ii. Effective measures for prevention, diagnosis & treatment of patients. iii. Effective health education through electronic & print media.