Assessment of Complete Blood Count and D-dimer among Patients with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

Background: The most virulent of the human malaria parasites is P. falciparum which is responsible for the bulk of the malaria-related morbidity and mortality. Changes in blood cell parameters are already a well-known feature of malarial infections

Aim: The purpose of this research was to assess the total blood count and D-dimer levels in patients with P. falciparum malaria in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Study Design: It is case- control study was conducted on blood cells prameters and plasma D-dimer for patients infected with Plasmdium falciparum malaria

Place and Duration of Study: study was carried out in Yastabshiroon hospital, Khartoum state, from October 2020 to January 2021.

Methodology: The study comprised fifty people who tested positive for P. falciparum using the National Public Health Laboratory's malaria diagnostic standard. The control group consisted of fifty healthy Khartoum locals with about equal gender and age distribution. To collect data from the study group's personal and medical information, such as name, gender, age, and medical condition, a structured questionnaire was developed.

Result: D-dimer levels were considerably greater in P. falciparum malaria cases compared to non-falciparum malaria cases, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower, although white blood cells (WBCs) count was significantly lower in P. falciparum infection patients compared to non-falciparum (p≤0.05). Hemoglobin concentration and platelet count were similarly significantly lower (p≤0.05). Platelet counts and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), on the other hand, were significantly lower in individuals with severe parasitemia compared to those with low and moderate parasitemia.

Conclusion: The study concluded that P. falciparum infection causes considerable hematological alterations. The results of the current investigation revealed a significant increase in the D-dimer mean level, as well as a significant decrease in the count of hemoglobin, total white blood cells (TWBCs), lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets. It was also discovered that patients with high parasitemia had considerably lower platelet counts and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels than those with low and moderate parasitemia.