Comparative Evaluation of Platelet Indices among Malaria-infected Pregnant Women, Uninfected Pregnant Women and Non-pregnant Women in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is associated with haematological alterations that may compromise maternal and fetal health. Platelet indices, including platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), are potential markers of malaria-induced haematological changes, yet data in pregnant populations in southeastern Nigeria remain limited. Objective: To compare platelet indices among malaria-infected pregnant women (MP+), uninfected pregnant women (MP−), and non-pregnant women (controls) in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 women divided into three groups: MP+ (n=50), MP− (n=50), and non-pregnant controls (n=50). Venous blood samples were analyzed for PLT, PCT, MPV, and PDW using standard haematology analyzers. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and group comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were no significant differences in platelet indices between MP+ and MP− women (PLT: 169.9 ± 52.5 vs 161.1 ± 47.8 ×10⁹/L, p=0.40; PCT: 0.12 ± 0.04 vs 0.13 ± 0.04%, p=0.47; MPV: 7.2 ± 0.7 vs 7.1 ± 0.7 fL, p=0.68; PDW: 8.3 ± 2.3 vs 8.6 ± 2.5%, p=0.54). However, MP+ and MP− women had significantly lower PLT and PCT compared to non-pregnant controls (PLT: 169.9 ± 52.5 vs 230.4 ± 84.5 ×10⁹/L, p<0.001; PCT: 0.12 ± 0.04 vs 0.18 ± 0.08%, p=0.022). MPV and PDW were also reduced in pregnant women relative to controls (MPV: 7.2 ± 0.7 vs 7.8 ± 1.3 fL, p=0.036; PDW: 8.3 ± 2.3 vs 9.9 ± 3.3%, p=0.004). One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences among the three groups for all platelet indices (PLT: F=15.32, p<0.001; PCT: F=6.45, p=0.003; MPV: F=3.98, p=0.022; PDW: F=7.91, p=0.001). Conclusion: Pregnancy, rather than malaria infection, significantly influences platelet indices, resulting in reduced PLT, PCT, and altered platelet morphology compared to non-pregnant women. Platelet indices may serve as simple, cost-effective haematological markers for monitoring maternal health in malaria-endemic regions.