Journal of Vector Borne Diseases (Sep 2006)

A comparative study of regression of jaundice in patients of malaria and acute viral hepatitis

  • D.K. Kochar, K. Kaswan, S.K. Kochar, P. Sirohi, M. Pala, A. Kochar , R.P. Agrawal , A. Das

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 43, no. 3
pp. 123 – 129

Abstract

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Background & objectives: Jaundice is one of the common manifestations of severe malaria in adults.The purpose of this study is to compare the pattern of clinical and biochemical parameters such asserum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels in patients of malaria with jaundice and acute viral hepatitis.Methodology: The present study was conducted on 34 patients of malaria with jaundice and 15patients of acute viral hepatitis. Estimation of serum bilirubin, aspartate amino transferase (AST),alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase was done daily using standard proceduresin malaria patients and weekly in acute viral hepatitis patients.Results: Mean level of serum bilirubin on first day in malaria and acute viral hepatitis patients was7.07 ± 3.94 and 10.38 ± 7.87 mg%, whereas on Day 8 it was 1.19 ± 1.43 and 7.88 ± 7.02 mg%respectively. Mean level of AST on Day 1 in malaria and acute viral hepatitis patients was 158.47 ±120.35 and 1418.6 ± 834.11 IU/L, whereas on Day 8 it was 41 ± 28.33 and 775.3 ± 399.01IU/L respectively. Mean level of ALT on Day 1 in malaria and acute viral hepatitis patients was220.14 ± 145.61 and 1666.67 ± 1112.77 IU/L, whereas on Day 8 it was 50.85 ± 37.31 and 823.8 ±475.06 IU/L respectively. Mean level of serum alkaline phosphatase on Day 1 in malaria and acuteviral hepatitis patients was 394.74 ± 267.78 and 513.4 ± 324.7 IU/L, whereas on Day 8 it was84.76 ± 68.50 and 369.27 ± 207.75 IU/L respectively.Interpretation & conclusion: We observed that resolution of jaundice in malaria took 1–2 weeks incontrast 6 to 8 weeks in viral hepatitis. This difference in duration was statistically significant. Thus,jaundice not resolving in 1–2 weeks time in a patient of malaria requires serious consideration forpresence of other concomitant diseases including viral hepatitis.

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