Study on specific species of malaria in relation to haematological changes

2021-02-20T11:52:43+00:00

Background: As malaria is a potential medical emergency, prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical for its effective management. Conventional microscopic examination of peripheral thick and thin blood smear examination remains the “gold standard” for malaria diagnosis.

Material: A 2 year prospective study from 2011 to 2013 was conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur. The study comprised of a total number of 150 cases positive for Malaria, collected from above mentioned centre and those referred from peripheral referral centres. Clinical history regarding age, sex, nature and duration of illness were elicited. Blood sample for haematological study was taken before starting anti-malarial drugs in all these cases.

Result: Out of total cases, P. vivax infected cases (62%) were common than P. falciparum (34%) and mixed infection cases [PV & PF] (4%). Most common presenting symptom of cases affected by PV, PF and mixed infection were fever and chills & rigors and least common symptom was cough. Most important haematological changes observed were anaemia and thrombocytopenia (77.3% each) and leucopenia (31.3%). All the above mentioned changes in haematological parameters were species specific and statistically significant, except for red cell indices, DLC and ESR.

Conclusions: In conclusion, changes in haematological profile can help in early diagnosis of specific species of malaria for timely and appropriate treatment that can reduce the severity and prevention of additional consequences.

Analysis of diagnostic value of cytological smear method versus cell block method in body fluids with clinical and biochemical correlation: study of 150 cases

2021-02-24T05:00:06+00:00

Background: Aspiration of serous cavities is a simple and relatively non-invasive technique to achieve diagnosis. Cytological evaluation of body cavity fluid is diagnostically challenging. Especially in malignant effusions, helps in staging, prognosis and management of the patients.

Aims: To assess the utility and sensitivity of cell block method over conventional smear technique in cytodiagnosis of the serous effusions. And to assess the utility and sensitivity of cytological evaluation of body fluids with biochemical and clinical correlation.

Methods: A total of 150 fluid specimens were examined for conventional cytological smear (CS) and cell block method (CB). Out of 150 fluids, 96 were pleural fluid, 48 were ascitic fluid, 04 fluid from pouch of Douglas and 01 was from synovial fluid.

Results: In this study, the utility of the CB method in the cytodiagnosis of malignant effusions was found to be highly significant as compared to the CS method. The additional yield of malignancy was 12% more as was obtained by the CB method.

Conclusion: For the final cytodiagnosis of body fluid, there is statistically significant difference between the two techniques. In other words, CB is superior to CS method. It gives more information about the architectural arrangement and the likely source of primary. More important is that diagnostic material in cell blocks is available for special studies for Immunohistochemistry which can further supplement our knowledge about the primary source of metastasis.

Tropical Journal of Pathology and Microbiology

Study on specific species of malaria in relation to haematological changes

Analysis of diagnostic value of cytological smear method versus cell block method in body fluids with clinical and biochemical correlation: study of 150 cases