Authors : J. Ikekpeazu Ebele, E. Neboh Emeka, C. Aguchime Nnenna, C. Maduka Ignatius and A. Aronu Ebele
Abstract: Malaria parasitaemia has been shown to be associated with abnormalities in fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Sodium and potassium ions have also been shown to be indispensable in water homeostasis, necessary for survival of organisms. Serum sodium and potassium levels were analyzed in 150 confirmed malaria patients from five different hospitals in Enugu metropolis, South-East Nigeria. The patients were divided into four different age brackets; 1-10, 11-20, 21-40 and >40 years, respectively. Sixty apparently healthy, age-matched individuals were used as control subjects. The mean�SD of the sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) levels in malaria patients of all age ranges were significantly decreased (p<0.05) when compared with the controls. Comparison of the different age brackets showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the mean�SD in the (11-20 years) age bracket compared with the other age brackets. There was however no significant difference (p>0.05) between the values obtained in the age brackets; 1-10, 21-40 and >40 years, respectively. The study shows that there is significant lowering of the Na+ and K+ levels in malaria infection. Subjects between 11-20 years were the most vulnerable in this regard from the result of the study and constitute the major risk group. Electrolytes (Na+ and K+) should be monitored in malaria patients to enhance patient management.
J. Ikekpeazu Ebele, E. Neboh Emeka, C. Aguchime Nnenna, C. Maduka Ignatius and A. Aronu Ebele, 2010. Malaria Parasitaemia: Effect on Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 5: 46-49.