SEVERITY OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH PLASMODIUM VIVAX MALARIA; A SINGLE CENTER STUDY.

Background: Thrombocytopenia has been frequently observed in plasmodium vivax malaria in different studies. Finding out the severity of thrombocytopenia--is perhaps equally important, as it has practical as well as prognostic implications. The objective of the study was to assess the severity of thrombocytopenia in patients suffering, from malaria caused by plasmodium vivax.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Malir, Karachi, which is a tertiary care Hospital for all military personnel & their families in the province of Sindh. All patients of smear positive Vivax malariaduring the study period were, included, and those having thrombocytopenia from any other reason were excluded. They were treated with antimalarial drugs and their platelet counts were monitored till they normalized and discharged from the hospital. Thrombobytopenia was defined as platelets count of <150,000/cu mm. Results were. analysed by SPSS 11.

Results: Out of 150 cases, 133 (88%) had thrombocytopenia. Their ages ranged from 15 to 55; mean age was 35 with SD +/- 20. Low platelet count observed was between 11,000 and 146,000/cu mm with SD +/- 27404. Mean value was 79,832/cu mm. None of the patient had any bleeding episode requiring a blood transfusion.

Conclusion: Plasmodium vivax associated thrombocytopenia has a benign outcome. irrespective of severity of the platelet counts.