A Study of changes in Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cells, Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate and Platelet Count in Malaria Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Plasmodium Vivax (P.Vivex) and Plasmodium Falciparum (P.Falciparum) are more common infections in the Indian subcontinent. Peripheral smear examination is the major diagnostic tool of malaria. Thrombocytopenia is also counted as a early sign of malarial infection. Moderate to severe hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia is commonly seen in P.falciparum malarial infection 5. If early hematological changes are picked up in time, complications of malarial infection can be prevented. The present study was done to study changes in HB, RBC count, ESR and Platelet count in patients of malaria. Objectives: 1) to know prevalence of different species of malaria in Bhavnagar. 2) To study changes in HB, RBC count, ESR and Platelet count in patients of malaria. 3) To note, if any species specific changes in HB, RBC count, ESR and Platelet count in patients of malaria exist. Materials & Method: Hematological parameters in indoor and outdoor patients of malaria were studied in Central laboratory, Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar after taking appropriate history. Total 287 patients were studied for different haematological parameters. Results & discussion: Out of 287 patients, 204 (70.6%) were infected with P. falciparum whereas 83 (28.7%) had P. vivax infection. Majority of patient suffering from malaria had Anaemia 256 (89.2%). However severity of anemia is more in P. falciparum (25%). Majority 174(74.7 %) of the patients had low red cell count. Low red cell count was more in P. falciparum malaria (83.5%). 81.5% patients had thrombocytopenia, severe thrombocytopenia was found in P. falciparum (26.5%) whereas mild (31.3%) and moderate (38.6 %) thrombocytopenia was found in P. vivax malaria. Conclusion: Significant hematological changes like in hemoglobin level, platelet count, ESR and RBC count are affected more in P. falciparum malaria as compared to P. vivax malaria.