Severe P. falciparum malaria in Kenyan children: evidence for hypovolaemia
Open Access
- 1 June 2003
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine
- Vol. 96 (6) , 427-434
- https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcg077
Abstract
Background: The role of volume resuscitation in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria is controversial. Aim: To examine the role of hypovolaemia in severe childhood malaria. Study design: Retrospective review. Methods: We studied 515 children admitted with severe malaria to a high-dependency unit (HDU) in Kilifi, Kenya. On admission to the HDU, children underwent a further assessment of vital signs and a standard clinical examination. Results: Factors associated with a fatal outcome included deep breathing or acidosis (base excess below –8), hypotension (systolic blood pressure 80 μmol/l), low oxygen saturation (2 = 14.9; p = 0.001). Discussion: Impaired tissue perfusion may play a role in the mortality of severe malaria. Moreover, volume resuscitation, an important life-saving intervention in children with hypovolaemia, should be considered in severe malaria with evidence of impaired tissue perfusion.Keywords
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