Malaria Hepatopathy and Thrombocytopenia in Severe Falciparum Malaria

Abstract

Jaundice commonly occurs in severe malaria, seen in approximately 2,5% patients with falciparum malaria infection. Jaundice in malaria can be caused by intravascular hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or malaria-related liver disorders. Malaria hepatopathy is a term that is often used to describe hepatocytic dysfunction in severe malaria, although inflammation does not occur in the liver parenchyma.  Malaria hepatopathy also characterized by a rise in serum bilirubin along with the rise in serum glutamate pyruvate trasnaminase levels. This two condition are similar but must be distinguished because of different treatment required.