STUDY OF CLINICAL, HAEMATOLOGICAL AND HEPATIC MANIFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH FALCIPARUM MALARIA

OBJECTIVE: Malarial infection is a major health problem in many parts of India. Several factors have been attributed to increased morbidity and mortality in malaria with altered hematological and hepatic parameters playing an important role. Our aim is to study the clinical, hematological and hepatic manifestations in patients with falciparum malaria. METHODS: This observational study was conducted from November 2012 to October 2013 at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Science and Research Hospital Bangalore. 75 patients of falciparum malaria confirmed by PS, MPQBC positive for Plasmodium falciparum or both falciparum and vivax were included in the study. All patients underwent detailed clinical history, thorough physical examination and investigated with hematological and hepatic parameters. This was followed by monitoring the outcome of the patients with respect to morbidity and mortality. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistical tools. RESULT: Of the 75 patients fever was present in all cases. Pallor (62%) was the most common sign followed by splenomegaly (58%) and icterus (48%). Anemia (60%) was the most common complication, followed by jaundice (44%), cerebral malaria (40%), ARF (25%), ARDS (12%). 12 patients had severe anemia (Hb% < 6 gm %). Severe thrombocytopenia (< 50, 000 mm3) was seen in 5% of the patients. PT and APTT were increased in 23% and 12% of the cases respectively. 2 patients in the study expired. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of plasmodium falciparum infection ranged from only fever to severe complications including cerebral malaria, acute renal failure, acute hemolytic crisis and hepatic dysfunction. Acute onset fever and splenomegaly were most common clinical manifestations found. Severe Anemia and jaundice are poor prognostic factor and has adverse outcome. Thrombocytopenia increased PT; aPTT does not have any correlation to mortality.