Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria, is endemic in Surat, (an industrious city of Gujarat), which is categorised under High risk zone. Malaria affects all blood components and is a true haematological disease. Thrombocytopenia and anaemia are the most frequently malaria associated haematological complications of malaria. Aims &
Objective: To study the occurrence, severity and correlation of Thrombocytopenia in urban children with malaria.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Surat Municipal Institute Of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) , Surat Gujarat . The Data of all smear positive and Rapid Diagnostic Test positive malaria cases of age between 1 and 17 year admitted in the Deptt. Of Pediatrics were collected. These patients were further assessed for thrombocytopenia, its severity, its relation with type of malaria and age.
Results: Thrombocytopenia was observed in 233 (74%) cases of Malaria of which P. vivax was in 103 (44%) cases, P. falciparum in 130(56%) cases. Severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 22% and 29% cases of Pv and Pf malaria respectively. Sensitivity of thrombocytopenia in Pv and Pf was 71.53% and 76.92% whereas specificity was 66.67 for both respectively. Sensitivity of thrombocytopenia in Pv increased as the platelet count decreased. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a frequent overall manifestation of both falciparum and Vivax malaria Severe Thrombocytopenia should alert one to consider a possibility of malaria in children.