Malaria, Plasmodium Falciparum Infection, Plasmodium Vivax Infection, Thrombocytopenia
Conditions
Keywords
Thrombocytopenia, Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria complications, Platelet count dynamics
Brief summary
This study aimed to compare platelet count patterns in patients infected with either Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum, the two most common malaria species in Pakistan. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is a common complication of malaria and can help in identifying disease severity. We conducted this research at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from April to September 2023. A total of 171 adult patients with confirmed malaria infections were enrolled. We measured their platelet counts at admission, day 3, and day 7, and analyzed the severity and progression of thrombocytopenia. The study found that while P. vivax was more common, P. falciparum was more likely to cause severe thrombocytopenia. Understanding these differences helps healthcare providers identify high-risk patients earlier and manage malaria more effectively. The study was approved by the institutional review board of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Lady Reading Hospital, Pakistan
Rafiullah Hotak
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18 years or older * Microscopically confirmed infection with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum * Provided written informed consen
Exclusion criteria
* Mixed-species malaria infection * Known hematologic disorders * Chronic liver disease * Recent blood transfusion * Use of anticoagulant medication * Incomplete parasitemia data or lost to follow-up
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Proportion of patients with thrombocytopenia | 0 days | The percentage of patients with platelet counts \<50×10³/µL at admission, compared between the P. vivax and P. falciparum groups. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Platelet count recovery over time | Day 0 to Day 7 | Change in mean platelet count at admission, day 3, and day 7, for each group. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of malaria-related complications | Within 7 days of admission | Number of patients developing clinical complications (e.g., acute kidney injury, neurological involvement, anemia, jaundice), stratified by malaria species. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed