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[Imported pediatric malaria in Marseille]
P Minodier1, F Lanza-Silhol, R Piarroux
1Service de pédiatrie, CHU Nord, Marseille, France.
Unlabelled:
Imported malaria is frequently observed in pediatric practices within geographical areas which have a migrant population.
Material And Methods:
All the pediatric malaria cases of a university children's hospital (Marseilles, southern France) had been studied retrospectively. The period of the study was from January 1987 to December 1997. Inclusion criteria were based on clinical diagnosis criteria established by WHO.
Results:
Three hundred and fifteen clinical cases were observed. Ninety-nine percent were confirmed by blood smears. Eighty-six percent of the patients came from the archipelago of the Comoro Islands in the Indian Ocean. Twenty percent were not given chemoprophylaxis, and 77% of the patients with chemoprophylaxis were not compliant. Fever (92%), splenomegaly (61%), vomiting and/or diarrhea (50%) were frequently observed. Neurological signs (23%), especially headaches (15%), were noted. The causative species was Plasmodium falciparum in 76%; coinfections with two species were observed in 9%. Halofantrine was commonly used for therapy (64%), but relapses were noted with this drug. No death was observed during the study.
Discussion:
Imported pediatric malaria is rare in France. Clinical signs may lead to misdiagnosis when splenomegaly is not obvious, or when vomiting and/or diarrhea, cough or otitis occur. Diagnosis relies on blood smears. Curative medications are chloroquine or halofantrine, with special attention to heart troubles. Mefloquine is rarely used in children. Quinine is reserved for serious attacks. Concerning chimioprophylaxy, medical prescriptions should be adapted to the stay abroad, and patient compliance to medications could be improved.
Insights
Imported pediatric malaria cases in France are rare, primarily affecting children from the Comoro Islands. Diagnosis relies on blood smears, and while no deaths occurred, treatment adherence and drug efficacy require attention.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Imported malaria is a concern in areas with migrant populations.
- Pediatric malaria cases present unique diagnostic and management challenges.
- Retrospective analysis of cases from a university children's hospital in Marseilles, France (1987-1997).
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of imported pediatric malaria.
- To identify challenges in managing pediatric malaria in a non-endemic setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis and treatment regimens.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 315 pediatric malaria cases confirmed by blood smears, with 86% originating from the Comoro Islands.
- Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (76%). Common symptoms included fever, splenomegaly, and gastrointestinal issues; neurological signs were also noted.
- Halofantrine was frequently used for treatment, though relapses occurred. No fatalities were reported, but challenges with chemoprophylaxis compliance and potential drug side effects were observed.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of blood smear confirmation for accurate pediatric malaria diagnosis.
- Underscores the need for improved chemoprophylaxis strategies and patient compliance in travelers.
- Informs clinical practice regarding potential misdiagnosis and therapeutic options for imported malaria in children.