Comparative Study of Thrombocytopenia in Plasmodium Vivax and Falciparum Malaria

NCT07122232 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Ref: No. 617/LRH/MTI
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 177
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to compare platelet count patterns in patients infected with either Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum, the two most common malaria species in Pakistan. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is a common complication of malaria and can help in identifying disease severity. We conducted this research at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from April to September 2023. A total of 171 adult patients with confirmed malaria infections were enrolled. We measured their platelet counts at admission, day 3, and day 7, and analyzed the severity and progression of thrombocytopenia. The study found that while P. vivax was more common, P. falciparum was more likely to cause severe thrombocytopenia. Understanding these differences helps healthcare providers identify high-risk patients earlier and manage malaria more effectively. The study was approved by the institutional review board of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar.

Conditions

Malaria; Plasmodium Vivax Infection; Plasmodium Falciparum Infection; Thrombocytopenia

Keywords

Thrombocytopenia; Plasmodium falciparum; Malaria complications; Platelet count dynamics

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Proportion of patients with thrombocytopenia

  The percentage of patients with platelet counts \<50×10³/µL at admission, compared between the P. vivax and P. falciparum groups.

  0 days

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Platelet count recovery over time

  Day 0 to Day 7

Other Outcomes (1)

• Frequency of malaria-related complications

  Within 7 days of admission

Study Arms (2)

Plasmodium vivax Group

Adult patients (≥18 years) with microscopically confirmed Plasmodium vivax malaria. Platelet counts and clinical data were collected at admission, day 3, and day 7 to assess the frequency and severity of thrombocytopenia.

Plasmodium falciparum Group

Adult patients (≥18 years) with microscopically confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Platelet counts and clinical data were collected at admission, day 3, and day 7 to assess the frequency and severity of thrombocytopenia.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult patients (aged 18 and above) presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, with confirmed malaria infection. Participants were included based on microscopic confirmation of either Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum infection and evaluated for platelet trends and clinical outcomes.

You may qualify if:

• Age 18 years or older
• Microscopically confirmed infection with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum
• Provided written informed consen

You may not qualify if:

• Mixed-species malaria infection
• Known hematologic disorders
• Chronic liver disease
• Recent blood transfusion
• Use of anticoagulant medication
• Incomplete parasitemia data or lost to follow-up

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rafiullah Hotak: lead
• Lady Reading Hospital, Pakistan: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Lady Reading Hospital, Medical Teaching Institution

Peshawar, KPK, 25000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Malaria; Thrombocytopenia; Malaria, Falciparum

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Protozoan Infections; Parasitic Diseases; Infections; Mosquito-Borne Diseases; Vector Borne Diseases; Blood Platelet Disorders; Hematologic Diseases; Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases; Cytopenia

Study Officials

• Rafiullah Hotak, MBBS

  Nangarhar University faculty of medicine

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Student

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 7, 2025
• First Posted: August 14, 2025
• Study Start: April 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2023
• Study Completion: September 30, 2023
• Last Updated: August 14, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)