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This study analyzed 23 pediatric Sleeping Sickness cases, revealing a 34.8% mortality rate. High mortality was linked to trypanosomes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and protein calorie malnutrition (PCM).
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Sleeping Sickness (SS), also known as human African trypanosomiasis, poses a significant threat to children in endemic regions.
- Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and outcomes of pediatric SS in specific African hospitals.
- Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a common comorbidity in affected populations, potentially influencing disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical features, treatment approaches, and mortality rates of pediatric Sleeping Sickness.
- To identify risk factors associated with higher mortality in children diagnosed with SS.
- To emphasize the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention in pediatric cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 pediatric Sleeping Sickness cases.
- Data collected from Arthur Davison Hospital and Mukinge Hospital over a five-year period.
- Examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for trypanosomes and cell counts, alongside nutritional status assessment.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality rate for pediatric SS was 34.8%.
- Mortality significantly increased in patients with trypanosomes in CSF (43.8%) and high CSF cell counts (>101/cumm, 50.0%).
- Associated protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) correlated with a 30.0% mortality rate.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric Sleeping Sickness has a high mortality rate, particularly when the central nervous system is involved.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in children with SS.
- Integrated management addressing malnutrition alongside trypanosomiasis is essential for reducing mortality.
Abstract:
Twenty-three cases of Sleeping Sickness in children have been analysed at the Arthur Davison Hospital and Mukinge Hospital during the past five years. The overall mortality was 34.8%. This was especially high when trypanosomes were found in the CSF (43.8%), in patients with a CSF cell count greater than 101/cumm (50.0%), and in patients with associated protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) (30.0%). Some clinical features of sleeping sickness (SS) in children are discussed and the therapeutic approach reviewed. The importance of early diagnosis is stressed.