Clinico-hematological manifestations of malaria in children in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Globally, malaria is one of the important causes of mortality in pediatric age group. We describe here the clinico-hematological manifestations of malaria in children in Western Uttar Pradesh.Methods: A Retrospective study was done over 8 months in pediatric ward and pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre in Greater Noida. Children below 18 years admitted with acute febrile illness with peripheral smear and / or rapid malaria antigen test positive were included in the study. Detailed clinical, biochemical and hematological characteristics of children hospitalized with severe malaria were recorded and patients were managed according to National Vector Born Disease Control Programme Guidelines for malaria treatment.Results: Out of 115 children admitted with malaria, majority of cases were due to P. vivax (88.7%) compared to P. falciparum (5%) and Mixed infection (6%). Malaria was more common in males and in 1 to 5 years age group. Out of 115 patients, severe malaria was present in 27 (23.4%) patients, all infected with P. vivax. Among them, bleeding was present in 13.04 %, shock in 9.56%, acidosis in 9.56%, jaundice in 5.21%, seizures in 3.47%, severe anemia in 5.21%, renal impairment in 3.47%, impaired sensorium in 1.73% and pulmonary edema was present in 0.86% patients respectively. Case fatality Rate was 1.73%, all due to severe vivax malaria.Conclusions: The study highlights that P. vivax is a common cause of malaria in Western UP and can result in a severe disease with potential mortality.