PLASMODIUM PARASITAEMIA, PACKED CELL VOLUME (PCV), AND URINE ALTERATIONS AMONG CHILDREN (2 - 12 YEARS) ATTENDING A TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION IN ABA, ABIA STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Malaria remains a critical public health problem among children in endemic regions like Nigeria. This study explores the relationship between Plasmodium parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and urine alterations in children aged 2 – 12 years attending a tertiary health institution in Aba. A total of 100 children were examined for malaria parasitaemia, anemia, and urine abnormalities. Blood samples were analyzed for PCV, while urine samples were assessed for pH, proteinuria, and bilirubinuria.
The results revealed an overall malaria percentage, the highest malaria prevalence was observed in the 9 – 12 years age group (26.9 %), the 5 – 8 years group recorded the lowest (15.6 %). PCV levels declined with increasing parasitic load, with children having severe parasitaemia (+++) having the least mean PCV of 0.17, indicating severe anaemia urine, pH was more acidic in children with parasitaemia, and abnormalities such as proteinuria and bilirubinuria were more prevalent in malaria infected children. The findings highlight the significant impact of malaria on both red blood cell volume and urine composition in children thus, there is need for early diagnosis and comprehensive malaria control strategies to mitigate severe outcomes.
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