Thrombocytopenia as an Indicator of Malaria in Adult Population

Abstract

Objectives. To evaluate the predictive value of thrombocytopenia in malaria. Patients and Methods. It was a prospective observational study on all febrile patients with thrombocytopenia presenting to the Medical Unit of Hayat Abad Medical Complex during November 2008 to November 2010. Results. Of the total of 228 patients with fever and thrombocytopenia, 121 patients (53%) proved to be suffering from malaria. Of them 82 patients (68%) had falciparum malaria while 39 patients (32%) had vivax infection. Of these 121 patients, platelet counts ranged between 25,000 and 150,000/dL with a mean value of 101,000/dL (SD ± 47, 500) and a median of 75,000/dL. Of the 107 patients who were not suffering from malaria, the counts ranged between 10,000 and 150,000/dL with a mean value of 58,000/dL (SD ± 54, 000) and median of 50,000/dL. Conclusions. The presence of thrombocytopenia may be a predictor of malaria in adult population.

Thrombocytopenia in Adults with Acute Malaria in Southwestern Nigeria

“…Also, in this study, very severe cases (grade IV) of thrombocytopenia were not observed while majority of thrombocytopenic patients had mild and moderate thrombocytopenia. This is in line with many previous studies in adults where thrombocytopenia in malaria was generally reported to be mild or moderate which resolved shortly after the malaria was treated successfully [15,16]. Since malaria in this study area is hyperendemic, adults in this locality would usually not come down with severe malaria because of the partial immunity they acquire over the years.…”

Association between blood group and susceptibility to malaria and its effects on platelets, TLC, and Hb

“…Nearly 75% malarial patients had thrombocytopenia (platelet count of less than 150 ×103/uL); these finding are supported by Malik et al [15] and Memon et al [16], who reported that 70% of malarial cases had thrombocytopenia. It is a general consensus that thrombocytopenia is very common in malaria [17,18]. The degree of thrombocytopenia has been considered a criterion of disease severity by David et al in the United Kingdom [19].…”

Study of Aetiology and Clinical Features of Febrile Thrombocytopenia

“…5 Another prospective study, which was conducted on 228 patients with fever and thrombocytopenia in medical unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex during 2008 -2010 was showing malaria as the commonest cause (53%), in which 68% were having falciparum malaria. 6 While Modi T et al study 3 and Raikar et al study 7 had viral aetiology as the major cause of febrile thrombocytopenia. Present study reveals that severe thrombocytopenia (Platelet < 20000/mm 3 ) is present in 18% of cases, moderate thrombocytopenia (20000 -50000/mm 3 ) in 34% and mild thrombocytopenia (> 50000/mm 3 ) is present in 48% of cases.…”