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Blood chemistry, hematology and tryptophan level in cerebral malaria children
O A T Ebuehi1, O Olaosebikan, J K Renner
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. ebuehi@yahoo.com
Insights
Cerebral malaria alters cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein, tryptophan, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Hemoglobin and packed cell volume (PCV) are lower, but these markers may aid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Neuroscience
- Clinical chemistry
Background:
- Cerebral malaria is a severe complication of P. falciparum infection with unclear pathogenesis.
- Understanding cerebral malaria pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate blood chemistry, hematology, protein, and tryptophan levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with cerebral malaria.
- To identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing cerebral malaria in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed blood chemistry and hematological parameters in 15 cerebral malaria children and healthy controls.
- Collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture for analysis of protein, tryptophan, and glucose.
- Utilized Synchron CX5 auto-analyzer for blood parameter measurements.
Main Results:
- Cerebral malaria patients showed significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) compared to controls.
- Elevated CSF tryptophan and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were observed in cerebral malaria cases.
- No significant differences were found in plasma protein, glucose, or CSF glucose levels between groups.
Conclusions:
- CSF protein, tryptophan, ESR, Hb, and PCV are potential diagnostic markers for cerebral malaria.
- These biomarkers could aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of cerebral malaria in children.
Background:
Cerebral malaria is a deadly complication of P. falciparum infection, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
Objective:
The blood chemistry, hematology, protein and tryptophan levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cerebral malaria children were investigated.
Methods:
Fifteen children (2.44 +/- 0.25 yr) diagnosed with cerebral malaria were used for this study. The control subjects consist of healthy and malaria-free children (2.50 +/- 0.16 yr). Two ml of blood were collected from each child between 0830 h and 0930 h. Blood chemistry and hematological parameters were analyzed using 2 ml each of Synchron CX5 auto-analyzer. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the children using the lumbar puncture method, by inserting a sterile needle between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae collected into sterile tubes. The CSF tryptophan, plasma and CSF protein concentrations and CSF protein concentration were determined.
Results:
There were no significant (p > 0.01) differences in the plasma protein, glucose and CSF glucose levels of the cerebral malaria children as compared with the control. The packed cell volume (PCV) of the cerebral malaria children hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly (p < 0.01) lower as compared to control, but were significantly higher in CSF tryptophan and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of cerebral malaria children were observed. Results of the study showed that cerebral malaria affected the CSF protein level, ESR, Hb and PCV, but do not affect plasma protein, glucose and CSF glucose concentrations.
Conclusion:
Data of the present study indicate that CSF protein, tryptophan, ESR, Hb and PCV could be used as possible markers in the diagnosis of cerebral malaria.
