AIMS:This study examined the hematological effect of acute malaria. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This observational study was conducted in MLB medical college, Jhansi, U.P. over the period of two years. 200 patients were studied who were QBC or peripheral smear positive for malaria. Blood samples were examined by automatic counter and data was compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Paired and Unpaired t-test. RESULTS: In our study of 200 patients, anemia was found in 94% of patients, RBC counts and Hematocrit was reduced in about 90% (p value <0.0001), thrombocytopenia in 85%, leucopenia in 27%, RDW remains normal, MCV remains normal, MCH and MCHC was decreased in 15% and 25% respectively. MPV is increased in 25%, PDW was increased in 50% and PCT is decreased in 83% of our patients. CONCLUSION: Anemia, Thrombocytopenia is the major hallmark of malaria. Decrease in MCH, MCHC, PCT, WBC and raised MPV and PDW can be important predictors of malaria and can be used in diagnosis along with clinical manifestation.

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Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a pregnancy associated rare but severe myocardial disease. The incidence of PPCM is about 1 in 3186 live births in United States. Causes include viral infections, toxins, environmental and geographic factors, familial predisposition, Hormonal abnormalities, haemodynamic burden of pregnancy, malnutrition, inflammation, etc. NT-proBNP, Cathepsin D, tyrosine kinase SFlt1 may be elevated and can be used as biomarkers to diagnose PPCM. Restriction of dietary sodium, beta-blockers, diuretics-thiazide and furosemide, in lowest possible doses can be given for symptomatic management. Prognosis of PPCM is positively related to the recovery of ventricular failure. Only about 50% women with PPCM recover baseline ventricular function within 6 months of delivery. Failure of heart size to return to normal is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Future pregnancies are not recommended in patient with PPCM, as there is an increased risk for recurrence of PPCM in the subsequent pregnancy.

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