Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and laboratory profile of malaria in a cohort from a single peripheral hospital located in the Thar Desert, with a focus on distinguishing features between uncomplicated and complicated/relapsed cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Methods: A retrospective review of 123 confirmed malaria cases was conducted using hospital medical records. Clinical variables including age, sex, malaria type, G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) deficiency, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were recorded. Laboratory parameters such as hemoglobin, platelet count, bilirubin and liver enzymes were analyzed. Statistical analysis involved independent t-tests to compare uncomplicated and complicated malaria cases. Results: Complicated/relapsed malaria patients exhibited significantly lower platelet counts (p<0.001) and elevated total bilirubin levels (p=0.016). No statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin, AST (aspartate amino-transferase) or ALT (alanine transaminase) levels. Conclusion: Platelet count and bilirubin levels may serve as early indicators of malaria severity. Findings highlight the need for enhanced diagnostic vigilance and monitoring strategies in populations residing in the malaria-endemic Thar Desert.

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