25. Frequency and Severity of Thrombocytopenia in Children with Malaria Caused by Different Species of Plasmodium
Bhag Chand Lohano1, Fozia2 and Chetan Das1
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of thrombocytopenia in malaria.
Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad from 24th June 2014 to 23rd December 2014.
Materials and Methods: All children presenting in pediatricsdepartment of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad with fever (>101 oF) or history of fever (>101 oF) for 3 days duration were evaluated for malaria parasite through thick and thin blood smear. Then all malaria positive patients were assessed for platelet count. Thrombocytopenia (if present) was classified according to the reference ranges and categories.
Results: Total 154 children of malaria were included in this study mean age + SD (range) was 5.76 + 3.63 (6 months to 12 years). 118 cases were plasmodium vivax positive while 34 were suffering from plasmodium falciparum malaria, whereas 02 children had mixed (p. vivax and p. falciparum) infection. Out of 154 children of malaria, 100(65.0%) had decreased platelets count. Of these, 71(71.0%, n =100) had mild thrombocytopenia, 26(26.0%, n = 100) had moderate thrombocytopenia, while severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 3(3.0%, n = 100).
Conclusion: This study concluded that various degree of thrombocytopenia is common with malaria which if severe then may be associated with prolongs bleeding time leading to life threatening bleeding. Early diagnosis and prompt precautions and management by intervention such as immediate transfusion of platelets can prevent fatal outcome. Key Words: P. falciparum, p. vivax, malaria, platelets,thrombocytopenia
Citation of article: Lohano BC, Fozia, Das C. Frequency and Severity of Thrombocytopenia in Children with Malaria Caused by Different Species of Plasmodium. Med Forum 2017;28(2):94-98.