Study comparing the clinical profile of complicated cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria among adults and children

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical profile of Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria in adults and children. Methods In this retrospective study, data were collected from case records of patients admitted with P. falciparum malaria to the paediatric and adult critical care facility of a tertiary care hospital in an endemic area. A total of 20 adults and children were compared for their symptoms. Results In this study, among all adults and children with P. falciparum malaria, the commonest symptom was fever with chills and rigors. Among children, the next common symptoms were altered sensorium and irritability. Nine children (45%) had cerebral malaria, among which five had seizures. Other common manifestations were reduced urine output (35%) and vomiting (35%). Among adults, vomiting (65%) was the most common symptom followed by headache (60%). Eight (40%) adults had jaundice while nine (45%) had complaints of decreased urine output. Among adults, 4 had altered sensorium, of which 2 had seizures and jaundice; and all 4 had renal impairment. Conclusions Clinical symptoms and profile of P. falciparum malaria differ among age groups. Early recognition of symptoms and treatment of malaria is paramount especially in children who tend to have higher rates of complications compared to adults.