Assessment of electrolyte imbalance and its association with different malaria types: An observational study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the severity of hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia and their association with the severity of malaria which was caused by the P. falciparum and the P. vivax species of Plasmodium.Methods: This investigation was conducted prospectively for a duration of 1 year. The research included all hospitalized patients who had clinical symptoms consistent with malaria, as determined by the World Health Organization's criteria, and who expressed their willingness to participate. A total of 200 cases of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria were identified (100 instances of each). The patients were categorized into two cohorts: severe (100) and non-severe (100) instances of malaria, in accordance with the standards and criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO).Results: Prevalence was higher among men than females. P. falciparum exhibited higher prevalence among individuals aged 13 to 30 years, whereas P. vivax showed higher prevalence among those aged 31 to 50 years. P. falciparum malaria exhibited a higher prevalence of hyponatremia and hypokalemia compared to P. vivax malaria. The prevalence of hyponatremia and hypokalemia was higher in severe cases of malaria compared to non-severe cases.Conclusion: Hyponatremia and hypokalemia are often seen in cases of malaria, particularly in the severe manifestations of falciparum and vivax malaria, as opposed to non-severe cases. P. falciparum malaria is more often associated with hyponatremia and hypokalemia compared to P. vivax malaria. It is advisable to assess the serum electrolyte levels in patients of all age groups with malaria to avoid potential problems arising from electrolyte depletion, since these might have serious repercussions.