Related Experiment Videos
Coagulation studies in falciparum and vivax malaria
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|September 1, 1975
Summary
Severe falciparum malaria significantly alters coagulation factors and increases fibrin degradation products (FDP). These changes correlate with disease severity and mortality, suggesting they are a consequence, not a cause, of malaria pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Coagulation disorders are common in severe malaria.
- Fibrin degradation products (FDP) play a role in hemostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coagulation factor and serum FDP levels in patients with acute falciparum malaria.
- To compare these levels between severe and uncomplicated cases, and with vivax malaria.
Main Methods:
- Studied coagulation factors and serum FDP in 31 severe falciparum malaria cases, 13 uncomplicated falciparum malaria cases, and 6 vivax malaria cases.
- Correlated coagulation changes and FDP levels with clinical severity and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Marked coagulation changes and high serum FDP levels were observed in severe falciparum malaria cases, particularly in fatal outcomes.
- The degree of coagulation and FDP alterations varied with clinical severity.
- Minimal changes were noted in vivax malaria cases.
Conclusions:
- Coagulation factor and serum FDP changes are associated with severe falciparum malaria.
- These hemostatic alterations appear to be a result, rather than the cause, of the disease's pathology.