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Published on: May 16, 2013
Altered haematological parameters in children with malaria infection, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Umra Fatima Zuberi1, Sana Aqeel1, Faizeaab Hashmi1
1Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
Objective:
This study aimed to illustrate the effect of malaria infection on red blood cell parameters in children and evaluate the diagnostic relevance of haematological parameters in predicting malaria.
Methods:
The studies were identified through databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to retrieve related articles. Fourteen studies were selected by literature search based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis on different red blood cell parameters was performed.
Results:
Haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and RBC count show statistically significant findings with p values of (<0.00001), (p<0.00001) and (p=0.0004), respectively. Other parameters like MCV, MCH, and MCHC show statistically non-significant results with p values of 0.21, 0.36, and 0.63, respectively.
Conclusion:
Considering the above findings, the combination of haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, and RBC counts could be used as reliable parameters to predict the presence of infection and included in the diagnostic strategy for malaria in children.
Insights
Malaria infection significantly impacts red blood cell parameters in children. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, and RBC counts are reliable indicators for diagnosing pediatric malaria.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Malariology
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting children.
- Understanding the hematological alterations caused by malaria is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Conclusions:
- Haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, and RBC counts are reliable predictors of malaria infection in children.
- These parameters should be considered in the diagnostic strategies for pediatric malaria.
