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Published on: May 16, 2013
Malarial hepatopathy in falciparum malaria.
Shahnaz Shah1, Liaquat Ali, Rukhsana Abdul Sattar
1Department of Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. dr_shahnaz1312@hotmail.com
Summary
Falciparum malaria with jaundice often indicates malarial hepatopathy. Early consideration of this condition in febrile patients with jaundice is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Jaundice is a significant clinical manifestation in patients with falciparum malaria.
- Malarial hepatopathy, a complication of falciparum malaria, requires specific diagnostic consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical, biochemical, and sonographic features of patients diagnosed with falciparum malaria and jaundice.
- To identify characteristics indicative of malarial hepatopathy.
Main Methods:
- A case series study involving 62 adult patients with falciparum malaria and jaundice.
- Exclusion criteria included other causes of liver disease and Plasmodium vivax infection.
- Clinical examination, biochemical tests (bilirubin, ALT, AST, INR), and ultrasonography were performed.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with fever, jaundice, pallor, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and impaired consciousness.
- Elevated serum bilirubin, ALT, and AST levels were observed.
- Ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and gallbladder wall thickening in a subset of patients, with no biliary dilatation.
Conclusions:
- A considerable proportion of falciparum malaria patients with jaundice meet criteria for malarial hepatopathy.
- Malarial hepatopathy should be suspected in acute febrile illnesses presenting with jaundice to ensure prompt, specific treatment.
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