Influence of parasitemia on anemia and hemoglobin values in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: experience of a Hospital from Tanzania

Abstract

Objectives: In this work parasitemia importance, relation with hemoglobin values and anemia in hospitalized children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, and its potential use as prediction variable for anemia and hemoglobin values are analyzed. Materials and methods: A clinical study of malaria at Nzega Hospital, Tabora province, Tanzania between 2001-2005, performing thick and thin smears to evaluate hemoparasites was made. Results: In the study period 165 patients were evaluated, mean age of 4,1 y-old (61,2% <5 y-old). Malaria was confirmed in 87,3% (100% due to P. falciparum ). Mean parasitemia was 9 parasites/200 white blood cells (95%CI 6,69-11,.24) and Hb 8,4 (±1,6 g/dL) (82,42% with anemia). Age and parasitemia were significant predictors of anemia (F=13,622; p<0,001), being most important the parasitemia (p=0,001) than age (p=0,014). Conclusion: Parasitemia level of P.falciparum it is significantly associate with smaller levels of hemoglobin in children.