Assessment of renal function in malaria patients in Minna, North Central Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Establishment of prevalence of malaria-associated renal impairment in Nigeria is important for proper prognosis and management of malaria and its associated complications. Using biuret method for protein estimation; alkaline picrate-slot method for creatinine and urea estimation; and flame photometry and titrimetric method for electrolytes estimation; selected kidney function parameters which included proteinuria; serum levels of urea; creatinine and electrolytes were determined in 169 malaria patients and in 58 individuals without malaria. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance to compare variation among malaria patients and individuals without malaria; Duncan multiple range test to compare variation among means; and correlation matrix to evaluate correlation between the parameters measured. Proteinuria in malaria cases differed significantly (p 0.05) from individuals without malaria; and a positive correlation existed between proteinuria and parasitaemia. There was no significant difference (p0.05) in the creatinine levels of malaria patients and those without malaria. It is concluded that there is a form of renal impairment associated with malaria infection in Minna irrespective of age and sex