Predicting malaria in sudanese pregnant women: reliability of complete blood count.

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a major public health concern in tropical regions, especially among pregnant women. It increases the risk of maternal anemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, and infant mortality.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the hematological effects of malaria during pregnancy and evaluate the diagnostic value of blood count parameters, particularly platelet distribution width, as a potential biomarker.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 174 pregnant women were included: 78 with confirmed malaria and 96 malaria-negative controls. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count, platelet distribution width, and mean platelet volume were compared between the groups. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gestational week, gravida, parity, abortion, white blood cell, or mean platelet volume. However, body mass index, hemoglobin, platelet, and platelet distribution width were significantly lower in the malaria group (p<0.05). While all the four parameters predicted malaria status in univariate analysis, only platelet distribution width remained significant in multivariate analysis. Platelet distribution width demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve=0.857).

CONCLUSION

Platelet distribution width may serve as a reliable and accessible hematological marker for malaria in pregnancy, particularly in resource-limited settings. Routine evaluation of complete blood count parameters could support early diagnosis and improve maternal-fetal outcomes.