Assessment of Haematological Parameters in Malaria Patients at a Secondary Health Facility in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

This study evaluates haematological parameters in patients diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria at the Lokoja Specialist Hospital, Kogi State, located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. Malaria remains a leading cause of haematological derangement in Nigeria, and understanding its specific effects on blood parameters is important for improving clinical management. A cross-sectional study enrolled 200 malaria rapid-test positive patients and 100 malaria-negative controls presenting at the outpatient department. Full blood count including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, differential count, and platelet count were measured. Parasitaemia was estimated by Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Results indicated that malaria-positive patients had significantly lower haemoglobin (mean 9.2 g/dL vs 12.8 g/dL in controls), lower platelet count (thrombocytopenia in 72% of cases), and elevated total white blood cell count driven predominantly by monocytosis and lymphocytosis. Children below five years and patients with high parasitaemia showed the most severe haematological compromise. Platelet count showed the strongest inverse correlation with parasitaemia density, suggesting its utility as an indirect marker of infection severity. Routine full blood count analysis alongside rapid diagnostic testing is recommended in all suspected malaria cases at Lokoja Specialist Hospital to guide treatment intensity and transfusion decisions. Keywords: malaria, haematological parameters, thrombocytopenia, parasitaemia, Kogi State.