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Pattern of cerebral malaria in children at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

F E Lesi1, S U Nwosu, A G Mafe

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|December 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral malaria remains a significant threat to children under five, with a high mortality rate. Early identification of clinical signs like decerebrate posturing is crucial for predicting fatal outcomes in pediatric cerebral malaria.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Cerebral malaria is a severe and often fatal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection.
  • Understanding the evolving patterns of cerebral malaria presentation is vital for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of cerebral malaria in children.
  • To analyze associated clinical features and outcomes in pediatric cerebral malaria cases.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on children diagnosed with cerebral malaria.
  • Data collected included age, sex, seasonality, clinical signs, discharge condition, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Cerebral malaria affected 3.2% of pediatric admissions, with peak incidence in children aged 2-2.9 years and during July-September.
  • Mortality was 17.8%, with decerebrate posturing being a significant predictor of fatal outcome (OR=11.47).
  • Neurological sequelae were observed in 8.4% of survivors.

Conclusions:

  • Cerebral malaria continues to be a major health concern in children under five, characterized by high mortality.
  • Decerebrate posture is a critical clinical sign indicating a poor prognosis in pediatric cerebral malaria.
  • Further research is needed to validate the prognostic value of decerebrate posture.
Abstract

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