Comparative Study of Thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium Vivax and Falciparum Malaria

Rafiullah Hotak

Status: Completed

Conditions: Thrombocytopenia; Malaria; Plasmodium Vivax Infection; Plasmodium Falciparum Infection

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07122232

Ref: No. 617/LRH/MTI

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to compare platelet count patterns in patients infected with either Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum, the two most common malaria species in Pakistan. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is a common complication of malaria and can help in identifying disease severity. We conducted this research at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from April to September 2023. A total of 171 adult patients with confirmed malaria infections were enrolled. We measured their platelet counts at admission, day 3, and day 7, and analyzed the severity and progression of thrombocytopenia. The study found that while P. vivax was more common, P. falciparum was more likely to cause severe thrombocytopenia. Understanding these differences helps healthcare providers identify high-risk patients earlier and manage malaria more effectively. The study was approved by the institutional review board of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.

Enrollment: 177 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• Microscopically confirmed infection with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum
• Provided written informed consen

Exclusion criteria

• Mixed-species malaria infection
• Known hematologic disorders
• Chronic liver disease
• Recent blood transfusion
• Use of anticoagulant medication
• Incomplete parasitemia data or lost to follow-up

Trial design

177 participants in 2 patient groups

Plasmodium vivax Group

Description:

Adult patients (≥18 years) with microscopically confirmed Plasmodium vivax malaria. Platelet counts and clinical data were collected at admission, day 3, and day 7 to assess the frequency and severity of thrombocytopenia.

Plasmodium falciparum Group

Description:

Adult patients (≥18 years) with microscopically confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Platelet counts and clinical data were collected at admission, day 3, and day 7 to assess the frequency and severity of thrombocytopenia.