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Plasmodium falciparum malaria: its effects on some haematological parameters in normal and sickle cell Nigerian
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Insights
Malaria significantly impacts iron status in children, particularly those with sickle cell anemia. This study reveals how Plasmodium falciparum malaria affects iron levels and related markers in both healthy children and those with sickle cell anemia.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Iron status is crucial for overall health, especially in children.
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) and malaria are significant pediatric health concerns.
- Understanding their interaction is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on iron status in children.
- To compare these effects in children with and without sickle cell anemia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 80 children divided into four groups: normal without malaria, normal with malaria, SCA without malaria, and SCA with malaria.
- Assessed iron status using serum transferrin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and hemoglobin levels.
Main Results:
- Children with SCA had lower transferrin and hemoglobin but higher serum iron compared to normal children without malaria.
- Malaria increased serum transferrin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron in both normal and SCA children.
- These malaria-induced changes in iron markers were more pronounced in normal children than in those with SCA.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria significantly alters iron status in children.
- The impact of malaria on iron status differs between children with and without sickle cell anemia, being more dramatic in normal children.
- Further research into iron metabolism during co-infection is warranted.
Abstract:
The effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on the iron status was determined in 80 children: normal children without malaria (20) and with malaria (20), and sickle cell anaemia without malaria (17) and with malaria (23). Iron status was assessed using serum transferrin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and haemoglobin. The non-malaria sickle cell anaemia (SCA) group had lower transferrin (234.0 +/- 21.0) and haemoglobin (8.1 +/- 0.4) than non-malaria normal group (260.6 +/- 17.1 mg/100 ml, and 12.5% respectively). Serum iron was higher in sickle cell anaemia (125.1 +/- 17.1) than non-malaria normals (119.2 +/- 1 microgram/100 ml). Malaria caused an increase in serum transferrin, TIBC and serum iron in both normal and SCA children; these changes were more dramatic in normal than in SCA children.