Liver Functions in Malaria Infected Children between the Ages of 0-15 in Uniosun Teaching Hospital Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Children under the age of 15 are especially susceptible to severe outcomes, including multi-organ complications, from malaria, an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites that is spread through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The liver, an organ crucial to metabolism and immunity, is affected during malaria infection, frequently leading to biochemical alterations indicative of hepatocellular injury. Despite its significance, the precise impact of malaria on liver function parameters in children is still poorly understood. Aim: To assess liver function parameters in children aged 0–15 years with malaria and determine key predictors of infection, thereby clarifying the extent of liver involvement in pediatric malaria cases. Specific Objective: • To measure liver function markers (ALP, AST, ALT, total protein, bilirubin, albumin, and globulin) in children with malaria. • To compare liver function parameters between malaria-infected children and healthy controls. • To identify significant predictors of malaria infection based on liver function tests. • To assess the degree of liver involvement in pediatric malaria cases. • To evaluate the correlation between liver function parameters and demographic factors such as age and gender. • To determine whether liver function alterations in malaria-infected children indicate subclinical hepatocellular injury. • To highlight the importance of routine liver function monitoring in children with malaria to prevent complications. Methods: In Osun State, Nigeria, a tertiary teaching hospital hosted a cross-sectional study. Children with malaria and controls who were not infected made up the 100 participants in total. In order to diagnose malaria and perform liver function tests, venous blood samples were obtained and examined using standard laboratory techniques. To find important variations and correlations, data were statistically examined. Results: The results showed no significant correlations (p > 0.05) between liver function measures and demographic factors including age and gender. However, total protein and albumin were found to be significant predictors of malaria infection (p < 0.05) using logistic regression analysis. The infected and control groups' mean values of the liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP varied little, indicating subclinical hepatocellular injury. These findings highlight how vulnerable the liver is to damage from malaria and how some measures may serve as markers of the severity of the illness. Conclusion: This study shows that changes in enzyme levels and indicators of protein synthesis indicate that malaria can have a substantial effect on liver function. In order to reduce the risk of sequelae, the results highlight the necessity of routine liver function monitoring in children with malaria. Improved knowledge of the hepatic effects of malaria can direct clinical treatment and enhance the outcomes for pediatric patients.