title: Changes in platelet count in uncomplicated and severe falciparum malaria.
abstract: This study investigated alterations in platelet counts pre- and post-treatment with artemisinin derivatives in uncomplicated and severe falciparum malaria. Serial platelet counts were taken over 4 weeks for 110 uncomplicated and 110 severe falciparum malaria patients admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases during 2005-2008. On admission, prior to treatment, thrombocytopenia was found in 73.6% of uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients and 90.9% of severe falciparum malaria cases. Platelet levels significantly lower in severe malaria cases. Although initial platelet counts were lower than normal in both study groups, they slowly increased significantly over time, and approached normal levels by several weeks post-treatment. No bleeding was evident during treatment, and none of the patients required a platelet transfusion. Platelet transfusions are not required for malaria patients with thrombocytopenia who have no bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wattana
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Leowattana
authors.forename: Noppadon
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tangpukdee
authors.forename: Sai Kaung
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Thar
authors.forename: Souwanit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakasiri
authors.forename: Siripun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivilairit
authors.forename: Shigeyuki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kano
authors.forename: Polrat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilairatana
authors.forename: Srivicha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krudsood
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013785:Thailand; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials