Alterations in some coagulation indices among adults infected with Plasmodium Falciparumattending a Tertiary Health Facility in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Malaria infection still remains a heavy burden in the tropics and has been the cause of childhood and maternal mortality and morbidity. Malaria infection is said to alter coagulation parameters bringing about a derangement in the coagulation mechanism. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of p. falciparum on Platelet counts, Prothrombin Time, and Activated Thromboplastin Time in infected adultsattending a Tertiary Health Facility in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.Methods: Thislongitudinal study enrolled 270 subjects that met the defining criteria, they were then grouped into 3 based on malaria parasite preset cut off of ≥ 1000 parasites x 109 /l, thus, group one (100) had count above the cut off while group two(100) had counts below. Group three (70) tested negative to plasmodium antigen therefore served as control. Post treatment sample was also collected from test group.Questionnaires were administered and 6mls of blood drawn from each subject, 1.5mls was dispensed into EDTA for platelet count and thick film for parasite quantification, while 4.5mls was dispensed into 0.5ml of 32g/l trisodium citrate for coagulation tests using platelet poor plasma.Results: There was a progressive drop in platelet counts with increase in parasite density (P < 0.05). Group one had platelet count of 140.0 ±28.77 x 109 /l, as against 201.42 ±41.08 x 109 /l in group two and control (264.36 ± 49.20 x 109 /l)), this trend was also observed seen with PT and APTT (seconds) were progressive significant prolongation in time was observed as the parasite count increases (P<0.05). Thus PT and APTT (seconds) for group one were 25.09±6.24; 43.20±8.39,group two were 22.26 ± 2.84; 34.88± 8.25, and control 20.09 ± 2.87, 27.94± 5.27. The values of the tested parameters reverted to normal value post treatment (p