Anemia Among Hospitalized Patients With Malaria And Leptospirosis- Prevalence And Management- An Observational Study

Abstract

A cross-sectional study of this kind, which was based in a hospital, had an objective to estimate the prevalence of anemia in the community as well as to assess the role of contributing factors through simple screening tools in a local health center. All of the patients who were admitted during the three-month period and who had clinical symptoms of anemia (that was confirmed with a hemoglobin test) were included in the study. Malaria and leptospirosis were considered as potential causes of these patients, so they were additionally tested. Malaria parasite was detected by rapid test and species identification was done by blood smear. Leptospirosis was diagnosed by identifying IgM antibodies in patients who had appropriate clinical signs. Dietary advice, parenteral injections of vitamin supplements and iron therapy were administered to the patients diagnosed with anemia. The management of antimalarial included chloroquine and one dose of primaquine. In the case of leptospirosis, crystalline penicillin was given to the patients every six hours within five days. Malaria was diagnosed in 120 out of 980 (17 %) admissions. The prevalence of Grade 3 anemia was higher in the malaria group than in other groups and odds ratio of 1.69 indicated a positive association between anemia and malaria. The highest cases of severe anemia prevailed among the young adults, probably because of their mobility and proximity to health institutions. The prevalence of anemia in the studied group was 48.9 percent, which indicates the prevalence of this condition. The factors of age and availability of medical care were also identified to be important determinants of the severity and outcome of anemia in malaria and leptospirosis cases.