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Abstract

Background and Objective: Malaria, a formidable global parasitic infection represent a major health problem in tropical countries in terms of geographical spread, high morbidity, severe mortality especially among children. This study investigated platelet function's role and its strength to make platelet factor 3 (PF-3) available for coagulation in children with cerebral malaria. Subjects and Methods: Packed cell volume, platelet aggregate, platelet count and platelet factor-3 were studied in 65 children with, cerebral malaria and 50 healthy control children (Both group were aged 1-9 years). Results: Packed cell volume, platelet count were significantly lower (P<0.01) in children with malaria and platelet factor-3 was significantly higher (P<0.01) in children with cerebral malaria compared to normal children (controls). There was no significant level of platelet aggregate between children with cerebral malaria and control. Conclusion: Although the pathological roles of platelet function abnormalities in cerebral malaria infection is controversial but our study conclude that cerebral malaria infection is associated with thrombocytopenia and the increase of platelet factor-3 availability, with presence of platelet aggregates, may lead to hypercoagulability and various bleeding complications in children.