Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess hematological parameters in cases of malaria.

Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out over a period of four months from September 2023 to December 2023 at Narendra Modi Medical College and Sheth L.G. General Hospital, Maninagar, Ahmedabad. Patients with smear positivity for one or more species of malaria were included in study. Cases with history of anti-malarial drug intake and already previously diagnosed malarial cases in the same centre were excluded from the study. A total number of 99 cases were included in present study. All the cases were confirmed to be caused by Plasmodium by demonstration of ring forms (trophozoites), schizonts or gametocytes of the parasite by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smear.

Results: A total of 99 cases were included in present study over a period of 4 months. The age ranged from 7 to 59 years with mean age of 30±11.46 years. A total of 99 cases of malaria were recorded, of which 76% (n=75) had P. vivax infection and 24% (n=24) had P. falciparum infection. There were no cases of mixed infection. Male predominance (n=56, 56.56%) was noted among total cases of malaria. The most common clinical sign was pallor followed by splenomegaly. Most of the malaria cases had thrombocytopenia. TLC<4000 was noted among 21% (n=21) of malaria cases. 22% (n=22) of malaria cases were anemic.

Conclusion: Malaria mostly affects young adults and has a male preponderance. Hematological alterations encountered in malaria were thrombocytopenia, anemia and leukopenia. A febrile patient presenting with thrombocytopenia and anemia should raise the suspicion of malaria.