The New Spectrum of Plasmodium Vivax Malaria Severity: A Single-Center Experience

Plasmodium vivax malaria, once considered a benign and self-limiting disease, has emerged as a significant public health concern, with increasing reports of severe and even fatal cases. Objective: To evaluate the clinical severity and complications associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in patients in Peshawar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, for about two months. A total of 160 patients diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax malaria were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups based on platelet count. Laboratory tests, including complete blood count, liver function tests, and Renal Function Tests were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 , An Independent sample t-test was used to assess the significant difference between the two groups with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 165 patients were included in the study. In the severe thrombocytopenia group (<100,000/µL), there were 23 cases of anemia, jaundice (n=25), acute renal failure (n=7), cerebral malaria (n=2), seizures (n=1) and hypoglycemia (n=1). In the less severe thrombocytopenia group (>100,000/µL), there were 14 cases of anemia, jaundice (n=17), and acute renal failure (n=2). The blood glucose level (p=0.37), systolic blood pressure (p=0.18) and pulse rate (p=0.21) revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that severe thrombocytopenia in P. vivax malaria was associated with more severe clinical manifestations, with a few cases requiring transfusions. Patients with less severe thrombocytopenia had fewer complications