Abstract Introduction: Malaria is a common parasitic disease which has remarkable morbidity and mortality in all over the world. In malaria electrolyte imbalances and mineral disturbances are common clinical manifestations. Since Na+ (sodium) and K+ (potassium) are very important for the electrolyte homeostasis in human body. In malaria it is necessary to estimate the levels of these electrolytes in all cases for better management of patients. Materials and methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out over a period of 1 year in the tertiary care hospital, India. All the haematological and biochemical analysis were performed including examination of the thick and thin peripheral smears for malarial parasite. All the confirmed patients of malaria above 1year of age were included in study. The data from the study was analyzed statistically. Results: The incidence of P. falciparum was more than P. Vivax in the present study population. Serum sodium and potassium significantly decreased in falciparum malaria as compared to vivax malaria. Furthermore serum sodium and potassium level were significantly low in the age group of 1-15 years. Conclusion: We can conclude from the present study that serum sodium and potassium are good markers for the severity of the malarial infection. We can prevent complications in malaria patients of all ages by estimating serum electrolytes.
Keywords: Plasmodium Falciparum; Malaria; Plasmodium Vivax; Sodium; Potassium.