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Falciparum malaria and pregnancy.
D K Kochar1, I Thanvi, A Joshi
1Department of Medicine (Neurology Section), S.P. Medical College, Bikaner, India.
Indian Journal of Malariology
|September 25, 1999
Summary
Pregnant women in India face severe falciparum malaria risks, including higher mortality and complications like cerebral malaria and anemia. Antenatal chemoprophylaxis is crucial for reducing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Falciparum malaria poses significant risks to pregnant women in India.
- Pregnancy increases susceptibility to severe malaria, leading to adverse outcomes like abortion, IUGR, and premature labor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of falciparum malaria on pregnant women in India.
- To compare maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant versus non-pregnant malaria patients.
- To identify risk factors and recommend preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 288 admitted falciparum malaria patients.
- Analysis of data from 45 pregnant women compared to non-pregnant counterparts.
- Assessment of pregnancy-related complications and fetal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women had a significantly higher mortality rate (37.77%) than non-pregnant women (14.81%).
- Pernicious syndromes (cerebral malaria, severe anemia, hepatic/renal failure) were more frequent in pregnant women.
- High rates of preterm birth (20%), intrauterine death (31.11%), stillbirths (13.33%), and abortions (11.11%) were observed, especially in primiparous women.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy significantly increases the incidence and adverse outcomes of falciparum malaria.
- Chemoprophylaxis and antianaemic therapy should be integrated into antenatal care to mitigate risks.