Comparative study of the effects of four anti-malaria preparations on human rheological indicators

Abstract

The effects of 4 anti-malaria chemotherapeutic agents namely Artimisinin, Amodaquin, Sulphadoxin/Pyrimethamin and Halofantrin on human rheological and haematological indices were investigated in 28 apparently healthy subjects made up of 7 non-malarious control subjects and 21 malaria infected subjects. Investigations were carried out on whole blood. Haematocrit, Relative Plasma Viscosity (RPV), Relative Whole Blood Viscosity (RWBV), Platelets count (PC) and Plasma Fibrinogen Concentration (PFC) were determined using standard laboratory techniques. The malaria status of subjects was determined using thick and thin blood films. Our results showed statistical significant difference in the haematocrit and platelets count of malarious subjects at pre (0hrs), 24hrs and 48hrs post administration of Artimisinin, Amodaquin, Sulphadoxin/Pyrimethamin. There was also a statistical significant difference in the relative plasma viscosity and plasma fibrinogen concentration of malarious subjects in the study. An elevated plasma fibrinogen concentration, platelets count and relative plasma viscosity are indicatives of drug induced debility irrespective of malaria infection. The statistically significant change in haematocrit is suggestive of malaria associated hemolysis and a marginal drug toxicity. We suggest further studies on the effect of these anti-malaria drugs on a wider range of haemorheological and hematological parameters on a larger population.


IJONAS Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 111-115