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Pediatric imported malaria in New York: delayed diagnosis
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|June 23, 1999
Summary
Imported malaria in children is often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms, delaying treatment. Travel history is crucial for identifying pediatric malaria cases, especially with chloroquine-resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Imported malaria cases in children present diagnostic challenges.
- Travel to endemic regions is a key risk factor for pediatric malaria.
- Previous studies highlight nonspecific symptoms and delayed diagnosis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cases of imported malaria in children admitted to Kings County Hospital.
- To identify common clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and complications.
- To emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion in at-risk children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 20 pediatric malaria cases admitted between October 1987 and May 1995.
- Analysis of patient travel history, symptoms, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes.
- Microscopic identification of Plasmodium species and assessment of complications.
Main Results:
- Most children traveled from West Africa; none received adequate chemoprophylaxis.
- Common symptoms included fever, chills, and hepatomegaly; diagnosis was delayed in many.
- Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species; complications like hyponatremia and seizures occurred.
- Chloroquine-resistant malaria was prevalent, complicating treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric malaria diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion due to nonspecific symptoms and delayed diagnosis.
- Inadequate chemoprophylaxis in travelers increases malaria risk.
- Effective malaria control in children necessitates prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, considering drug resistance.