THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN YOUNG SOLDIERS ADMITTED WITH BENIGN TERTIAN MALARIA AT CMH PANO AQIL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the frequency of thrombocytopenia among young soldiers admitted with benign tertian malaria at CMH Pano Aqil.
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration: CMH, Pano Aqil, from Sep-Nov 2008.
Patients and Method: All male patients (soldiers) admitted in medical ward with benign tertian malaria during study period were included in this study. Patients with other medical conditions causing thrombocytopenia e.g. chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, immune thrombocytopenia, bleeding diathesis, autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases were excluded from the study. All hematological parameters were estimated on automated analyzer at the time of admission. Samples with low platelets (< 150,000/L) were verified manually.
Results: Thrombocytopenia was seen in 105 (62.13%) patients out of 169 patients studied. All patients recovered their platelet count with treatment of malaria after five to seven days of hospital stay.
Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is being observed in benign tertian malaria. Its presence in a febrile patient should raise the suspicion of malaria.