Haematological profile of children with malaria in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract Background Malaria remains a major public health problem in Indonesian Papua, with children under five years of age being the most affected group. Haematological changes, such as cytopenia that occur during malaria infection have been suggested potential predictors and can aid diagnosis malaria. This study aimed to assess haematological alterations associated presenting signs symptoms Methods A retrospective was performed by collecting data from medical records patients at Sorong Regional General Hospital, Sorong, West Indonesia, both outpatient inpatient clinics, January 2014 until December 2017. The laboratory profile suffering evaluated. Results One hundred eighty-two aged 1 month 18 old were enrolled. subjects mostly male (112, 61.5%) mean 6.45 (SD = 4.3 years). Children below 5 suffered this (77, 42.3%). two (56%) infected Plasmodium falciparum . Half enrolled (50%) had haemoglobin level (Hb) between 5.1 10 gr/dL. total 41 (53.2%) less than P. infection. In group 5–10 years, there 34 (57.6%) who , > 27 (58.7%) Only 4 (5.2%) mixed Among eight profile, significantly diagnostic criteria, namely haemoglobin, haematocrit, leukocytes, platelets monocytes (p < 0.05). Generally, clinical are not diagnosis, only one variable showed significant relationship, pale, P value 0.001. Conclusions changes some markers, anaemia, low platelet count, white blood lymphocyte count important area. These markers could be used raise suspicion living high endemic areas, Papua.