Effects of Gravidity and Gestational Periods on Parasite Denity and Some Biochemical Parameters Among Malaria Infected Pregnant Women in Iwaro-oka, Ondo State, Nigeria

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Malaria is known to have devastating effects among people living in tropical and subtropical regions, with the effect well pronounced among children under five years and pregnant women. The gravidity and gestational periods are considered to influence the prevalence of malaria infection in pregnancy. This work studied the effects of gravidity and gestational periods on some biochemical parameters among malaria infected pregnant women in Iwaro-Oka. Pregnant women enrolled for this study were grouped according to the number of pregnancy (primigravidae, secungravidae and multigravidae) and according to the age of their pregnancy (first, second and third trimesters). Five millilitres (5ml) of blood was collected by venipuncture from 63 pregnant women into both plain bottles and bottles containing ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) using needle and syringe. The parasitaemia and haematological parameters were determined from the blood in the EDTA bottle, while some biochemical parameters were determined from serum obtained from blood in the plain bottle using standard spectrophotometric (micro-plate reader) method. Out of 63 pregnant women studied, 45 tested positive to malaria, while 18 tested negative. This study showed that the mean parasite density was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in primigravidae (3505.41 ± 166.31) than secungravidae (1760.4 ± 93.92) and multigravidae (883.69 ± 75.32). There was a significant increase in parasite density (P &lt; 0.05) in first trimester (4356.2 ± 87.08) than second (3493.57 ± 111.3) and third trimesters (1366.15 ± 119.28). The levels of creatinine and urea were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in primigravidae than secungravidae and multigravidae. Likewise, serum creatinine and urea levels were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in first trimester than second and third trimesters. The HDL level was marginally lower (P &gt; 0.05) in primigravidae (11.22 ± 0.18) than secungravidae (12.54 ± 0.11) and multigravidae (13.21 ± 0.04). There was no significant increase (P &gt; 0.05) in HDL levels in second (11.43 ± 0.11) and third trimesters (12.85 ± 0.09) than first trimester (9.97 ± 0.14). The level of sodium, calcium, bicarbonate and chloride were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in secungravidae and multigravidae when compared with primigravidae. This study concluded that gravidity and gestational periods have significant impacts on biochemical parameters. It is therefore recommended that special attention should be given to pregnant women in their first trimester and first pregnancy during antenatal clinic.</p>