The Effects of Malaria On Some Laboratory Parameters in Sierra Leonean Children

Forty two (42)blood samples were collected from children showing clinical symptoms of malaria Trophozoites and/or gametocytes of P. falciparum were identified by microscopic examination of giemsa stained films in 22 samples (52.4%). Haemaglobin (Hb), Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), Bilirubin, Glucose and Ketone concentrations of these parasitaemia samples were compared with those of a non equivalent control group (n-31) of healthy children who were matched for age and sex, as far as possible with malarious group. There was a significant difference in the mean Hb concentration between the patients and controls with values of 6.14mg/dl and 10.15mg/dl respectively. The PCV levels also showed a similar pattern (25.95% to 35.95%). Higher bilirubin (22.15 to 0.98mg/dl) and GPT (61.32 to 22.831U/Ml) levels in the patients indicates some degree of haemolysis of red cells and necrosis of liver cells. The plasma glucose levels were lower in the patient compared with the controls (2.60 to 4.96mmol/l). Ketones were detected in 13(59%) of the 22 samples which tested positive for malaria parasites and none in the control group. These variations in Haematological and Biochemical parameters should enhance our knowledge in the pathogenesis of malaria in Sierra Leonean children. Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.1 pp. 1-