Publication: Clinical Spectrum of Malaria in Hospitalised Children at a Tertiary care Centre in North India - A Retrospective study
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction : Malaria continues to cause high morbidity and mortality in the tropical countries, children being among the vulnerable age group. We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary care centre in northern India to determine the pattern of the disease in our area.
Methods: A descriptive retrospective in children aged 1 month to 18 years of age, admitted at our paediatric unit, with positive antigen test and/or peripheral smear for malaria. Presenting features, clinical signs, laboratory parameters, treatment and outcome were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using freely available software online.
Results: 57 patients tested positive for malaria. The parasite species found in all positive tests was Plasmodium vivax. 22 (38.5%) of patients were classified as severe malaria. M:F ratio of 1.03:1. Fever was the most common presenting complain (100%), followed by pallor (52.6%) and persistent vomiting (35%). Antimalarial given was injection Artesunate in 53 (93%) of patients, oral artemeter lumefantrine was started as primary treatment in 3 (5.26%) patients, while chloroquine was given to only 1 (1.7%) patient. Blood component transfusion was required in 11 patients. 54 (94.7%) patients improved and were discharged, while 1(1.7%) patient was referred to higher centre, 2 (3.5%) patients left against medical advice. Mean duration of hospital stay was 6.2 (±2.35) days.
Conclusions: Plasmodium vivax was the leading cause of malaria at our institute, causing both severe and uncomplicated malaria. Plasmodium vivax is no longer a benign entity.
Description
Author Biography
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Professor, All from Department of Paediatrics, Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Dasauli, Kursi Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226026, India.
Keywords
Benign tertian malaria, Parasitic infections, Plasmodium