The Hematological parameters in Malaria and its correlation with parasite Index: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the haematological parameters in malaria (Hb, TLC, Platelets) and correlate them with parasite index.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi in the setting of the Pathology Department from March-September 2020. A total of 85 cases were included in the study. The sample size was calculated keeping confidence level=95%, SD= 0.35, absolute precision required= 4%. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used for data collection.

Results: The average age (years) of patients was 27.96+18.60. There were 213 (66.8%) male and106 (33.2%) female cases. Patients presented with average TLC and Hb levels as 5.92+2.22 and 11.22+1.68 respectively. Mean values of TLC among high and low parasite index (PI) were 6.14+1.67 and 5.83+2.41 respectively (p-value 0.564) whereas the mean values of Hb  among  high  and  low  parasite  index  (PI)  was  11.14+1.16  and  11.25+1.86 respectively (p-value  0.779).  Mean platelet count among high and  low parasite  index (PI) was 27.44+90.81 and 61.20+31.09 respectively which was statistically significant (p-value 0.000).

Conclusion: Mild anaemia and moderate thrombocytopaenia were associated with high parasite index whereas no significant change was observed in TLC with high or low parasite index.

Keywords: Haematological parameters, Malaria, Parasite index, Pakistan.