FREQUENCY OF BICYTOPENIA AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL WITH MALARIA

ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the frequency of bicytopenia among patients presenting to Medical Wards with Malaria.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar,
from June, 2017 to November, 2017.
Materials and Methods: 100 patients who were diagnosed with Falciparum malaria on peripheral smear examination
were included in the study. Sampling technique used was Non-probability consecutive sampling. Frequency of bicytopenia
in terms of low white blood cell (WBC) count and low platelet counts was determined by taking 3000/cmm as the
cut off for WBC count and 150,000/cmm as the cut off for platelet count. Data was formulated using SPSS 23. Results
were expressed as percentages. Mean and standard deviation were taken where required.
Results: In this study males were 58% and females were 42%. The male to female ratio was 1.38:1. Average age of
the patients was 24 years+4 SD. Bicytopenia was found among 32 adults with falciparum malaria. Out of these, 17
were male and 15 were female patients.
Conclusion: Bicytopenia is a common problem in clinical and haematological practice. The incidence is high in malaria
patients. Therefore prompt action is required when patients presenting with malaria develop bicytopenia so that one
can be treated to reduce morbidity and prolong survival.
Key Words: falciparum malaria; peripheral smear, bicytopenia; white blood cell count; platelet count