Persistently Elevated Laboratory Markers of Thrombosis and Fibrinolysis After Clinical Recovery in Malaria Points to Residual and Smouldering Cellular Damage

Abstract

Screening coagulation tests and assays for thrombosis and fibrinolysis were performed in 80 cases of malaria at presentation and during the course of the disease. Close correlation between the degree of thrombocytopenia (observed in >97% cases) and the presence hemorrhagic manifestations at presentation, and improvement in the platelet count in parallel with clinical recovery emphasised the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of coagulopathy in malaria. A potential selection bias resulting from inclusion of only patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital could explain the higher incidence (27.5%) of clinical bleeding observed in this study compared to that reported in the literature. Although a significant correlation between overt bleeding and abnormal PT/INR and APTT (observed in 20-37% cases) could not be demonstrated, a good correlation existed between normal screening coagulation tests and the absence of bleeding complications. Elevated D-Dimer and FDP levels in almost all cases (90%) of both types of malaria confirmed the high prevalence of disseminated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis. A correlation between rising D-Dimer levels and the incidence of bleeding was observed. Follow up studies in six cases with complications showed normalization of platelet counts and of screening coagulation assays with clinical recovery. D-Dimer and FDP levels however, remained elevated in most of these cases indicating the continuation of a smouldering coagulopathy even after full clinical recovery possibly due to the persistence of residual damage to the cells caused by the parasitic infection. Knowledge of this fact is important for avoiding unnecessary investigations and longer hospital stay in patients admitted with malaria.