Research Article - Current Pediatric Research (2025) Volume 29, Issue 2

Clinico-hematological manifestations of malaria in hospitalized children.

Background: Malaria is a disease of global importance and affects more than 90 countries in both the tropical and subtropical regions. Malaria is one of the important causes of mortality in pediatric age groups. This study aims to understand the clinico-haematological profile of malaria and its correlation with different malarial species among hospitalized children in tertiary care hospital, Surat, India.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital of a medical college in Surat over a period of 6 months from July 2024 to December 2024. Children below 18 years admitted with acute febrile illness with peripheral smear and/or rapid malaria antigen test positive were included in the study. A detailed history and clinical examination along with biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed using different statistical tests.

Results: Out of 154 children admitted with malaria, majority of cases were due to P. vivax (66.2%) compared to P. falciparum (28.6%) and mixed infection (5.2%). Case fatality rate was 1.94%, all due to severe Vivax malaria. Incidence of malaria was found to be more in males (63.6%) and 1-5 years age group. Fever was the presenting complaint in all the patients (100%) and chills and rigors in 77.2% of the cases. Other symptoms were vomiting 64 (42.8%), headache 38 (24.7%), abdominal pain 24 (15.6%), yellowish discolorations of eyes 3 (1.9%), diarrhea 2 (1.2%) and convulsions 2 (1.2%). Clinical signs were pallor (52.5%), icterus (16.8%), splenomegaly (42.2%), hepatomegaly (24%) and hepatosplenomegaly (9.09%), abdominal distension (16.2%), oedema (7.1%), shock (1.9%), ARDS (2.5%). Haematological parameters observed were anaemia (47.4%), severe anaemia (5.8%), leucocytosis (16.8%), leukopenia (24%), thrombocytopenia (65%) and severe thrombocytopenia (22.7%). Severe thrombocytopenia was seen with vivax malaria (65.7%).

Conclusion: The study highlights that is a common cause of malaria in Surat, Gujarat and can result in a severe disease. Fever with chills and rigor and splenomegaly are important clinical features, whereas anemia and thrombocytopenia are the most noted hematological parameters in malaria. The parameters may vary with different species of malaria. Knowledge of clinical and hematological parameters aids us in early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment and prevention of associated complications.

Author(s):

Ajay Sethi, Nisha Dudhat Buha*, Mahammadsuhel Sipai, Vaishnavi Golwala, Arzoo Dodiya

Abstract PDF