A successful falciparum malaria treatment with hemodiafiltration in an African patient

Abstract

Malaria is a serious infectious illness that has existed since ancient times. Despite its prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a global public health issue. However, Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe and fatal form of malaria, accounting for almost 80% of global mortality. Malarial acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by malaria can progress rapidly. An early initiation to renal replacement therapy is advised because AKI induced by malaria may worsen fast. This paper report a successful severe malaria therapy with hemodiafiltration in the ICU of an African student studying in Turkey. The patient, whose blurring of consciousness increased and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) decreased GCS=8, was admitted to the anesthesiology and reanimation ICU. The patient was treated for 3 days with malaria medications and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Malaria persists everywhere, especially among nonimmunized people. AKI is common in malaria patients. Patients with severe malaria should be examined for renal involvement, including electrolyte abnormalities and fluid overload. Supportive treatment is recommended for oliguric AKI. If feasible, CRRT may help these patients.