Measurement of acute phase proteins for assessing severity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Issue 3 (March 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gillespie, S H; Dow, C; Raynes, J G; Behrens, R H; Chiodini, P L; McAdam, K P
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 44:Issue 3(1991)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 1991-03
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.44.3.228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Seventeen adult patients with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria, admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, were studied. Serial measurements of the serum concentration of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A protein, and percentage parasitaemia were determined, together with initial measurement of serum electrolytes, liver function, haemoglobin, white cell and platelet counts. Initial C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A concentrations were increased (C-reactive protein mean 49.0 mg/l serum amyloid A 28 mg/l) falling towards the normal range by the seventh day of treatment. There was a significant correlation between the pretreatment parasite count and clinical and laboratory markers of inflammation. C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A concentrations correlated inversely with the serum sodium. These results indicate that measurement of acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A may prove valuable in assessing the severity of P falciparum malaria, and in following the response to antimalarial treatment.