Effects of Cerebral Malaria on Platelet count, Platelet factor – 3 and Platelet aggregate availability in children

Malaria is a formidable global parasitic infection that presents a major health challenge in tropical countries especially among children. A total of 130 children (65 males and 65 females) with cerebral malaria and the same number and ratio for healthy children were considered as control; all aged 1-9 years. Standard haematological method was used to determine the Packed cell volume, platelet aggregate, platelet count and platelet factor-3. Platelet and its role in making platelet factor 3 (PF-3) available for coagulation in children with cerebral malaria were determined. Packed cell volume and platelet count were found to be significantly lower (P<0.01) in children with malaria compared to healthy ones while platelet factor–3 was significantly higher (P<0.01) in children with cerebral malaria compared to normal children. There was no significant difference of platelet aggregate between children with cerebral malaria and uninfected children at P<0.01. Cerebral malaria infection is therefore associated with thrombocytopenia and the increase of platelet factor–3 availability which in the presence of platelet aggregates may lead to hypercoagulability and various bleeding complications in children with cerebral malaria.