C-reactive protein levels in children with uncomplicated malaria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is one of the biggest burden in terms of morbidity and mortality among all infectious diseases and continues to be a major health problem in India. The objective of this study was to study the levels of C-reactive protein in children with uncomplicated Malaria. To correlate C-reactive protein levels with malaria parasite density and species of Malaria.Methods: Retrospective study was done in Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka. 50 patients below 15 years of age malaria parasite positive by fluorescent test (MPFT) and by Peripheral smear formed the subjects and CRP levels and parasite densities was noted down into the proforma.Results: The age group predominantly was children more than 10 years. Plasmodium vivax was the type of malaria in 60% children. Most common symptoms were fever (100%), chills and rigors (41%), vomiting (48%) and headache (24%). Clinical signs observed were hepatomegaly (30%) and splenomegaly (64%). Mean levels of C reactive protein (CRP) were 42.91%with standard deviation of 31.62. Mean CRP levels were high in children with Falciparum malaria (44.51±34.19).58% had CRP levels ranging from 6-50 mg/l. 50% children with CRP levels >50 mg/L had parasite density of (++++) which is 100 parasites per 1 field of quantitative buffy coat.Conclusions: C-reactive protein levels are markedly elevated in acute malarial infection in paediatric age group.It correlates well with disease severity.