Prognostic value of thrombocytopenia in African children with falciparum malaria.

Patrick Gérardin Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Patrick Gérardin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Christophe Rogier Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Christophe Rogier in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Amadou S Ka Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Amadou S Ka in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Philippe Jouvencel Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Philippe Jouvencel in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Valentine Brousse Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Valentine Brousse in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Patrick Imbert Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal.

Search for other papers by Patrick Imbert in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2002.66.686
Volume/Issue:
Volume 66: Issue 6
Page(s):
686–691
Restricted access
Get Permissions

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in malaria, but its prognostic value has not been addressed in children. The relationship between thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100,000/mm3 on admission) and severity and outcome was investigated prospectively in children hospitalized with falciparum malaria in Dakar, Senegal, an area that is hypoendemic for malaria. Of 288 falciparum cases, 215 matched the 2000 World Health Organization definition of severe malaria. Median platelet counts were lower (98,000/mm3 versus 139,000/mm3; P < 0.02) among severe cases than in mild cases, and in children who died than among those who recovered (68,500/mm3 versus 109,000/mm3; P < 0.002). In severe cases, children presenting with a platelet count < 100,000/mm3 were more likely to die (odds ratio [OR] = 6.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-26.0). Moreover, multivariate analysis identified thrombocytopenia as an independent predictor of death (OR = 13.3, 95% CI = 3.2-55.1). Our data show an association between thrombocytopenia and either severity or prognosis in childhood falciparum malaria.

Author Notes

Published Online:
Jun 2002
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
Past two years Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1255 1073 35
Full Text Views 577 22 2
PDF Downloads 194 23 0
 

 

 

 
 
Affiliate Membership Banner
 
 
Research for Health Information Banner
 
 
CLOCKSS
 
 
 
Society Publishers Coalition Banner
Save