Clinical Profile of Vivax Malaria among Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Malaria is endemic in India. Vivax malaria has been traditionally described as benign tertian malaria but recent reports from many centers have revealed that it can cause life threatening disease as seen in case of falciparum malaria.There is paucity of data on this topic from this region. Objective: The present study is aimed to find out the clinical features, complications, response to treatment and outcome of patients suffering from vivax malaria in children. The study has also tried to focus on the severe illnesses associated with P. vivax infection. Material and Methods: The study was performed at a tertiary care hospital of Uttrakhand. The study period was of two years, from August 2011 to July 2013. Patients of 18 years of age or below it who were smear positive or antigen positive were included in the study. All such patients who were admitted in the hospital underwent detailed investigation. The data analysed to find out their clinical profile, laboratory manifestations and outcome. Result: 72 patients were identified as suffering from plasmodium vivax malaria. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, were common findings. Renal, hepatic and cerebral dysfunctions were noted, severe malaria was observed in 28(38.9%). Thrombocytopenia was the commonest hematological abnormality. 5(6.9%) patients died. Cerebral malaria, shock and ARDS were associated with high mortality. Conclusion: Vivax malaria, in its severe form, may cause life threatening complications. The clinical profile in such patients is similar to those which have been traditionally described with falciparum malaria.