Correlation of hematological parameters in Malaria positive cases-A retrospective study in rural Melmaruvathur, South India

Abstract

Background: Malarial infection is endemic in many countries of Asia, South Pacific, North Africa, Middle East and South and Central America. It is well known that it affects the haemopoietic physiology and induces changes in hematological parameters. Objectives: This study was undertaken to know the prevalence of malarial infection in this rural area of Melmaruvathur, South India and to assess the changes in hematological parameters in malaria positive individuals. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of medical sciences hospital atMelmaruvathur. Hematological parameters of all malaria positive cases who visited the hospital during the year 2012-2015 were collected and statistically analyzed along with demographic data. Results and Observations: A total of 60 cases were recorded during the year 2012-2015. Males were commonly affected in this rural area. The mean age of the patients was 33.57 with standard deviation 14.96. Out of these 60 cases, plasmodium vivax affected 55 cases and only five cases were found affected by Plasmodium falciparum infection. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 97% of infected individual and it was significant in Plasmodium vivax infection (p=0.017). Mild thrombocytopenia was noted in 75% of cases and moderate thrombocytopenia was observed in 21.7% of cases. Anemia was noted in 30% of affected individuals and significant anemia was observed in Plasmodium falciparum infection (p=0.003). Conclusion: The frequency of malaria was found less common in this rural area. Thrombocytopenia was the common hematological finding and next to that was mild degree of anemia among malaria patients. Keywords: Malaria- prevalence, Thrombocytopenia, Anemia, Hematological findings