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Physiopathologic factors resulting in poor outcome in childhood severe malaria in Cameroon

Inocent Gouado1, Joël Bertrand Pankoui M, Honoré Fotso K

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. gouadoi@yahoo.fr

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Lactate and nitric oxide (NO) levels indicate poor prognosis in pediatric malaria. While creatinine, urea, and bilirubin were not significant predictors, they can help monitor treatment response in severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical diagnostics

Background:

  • Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting children.
  • Identifying reliable biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate plasma levels of creatinine, urea, bilirubin, lactic acid, and nitric oxide (NO) in children with malaria.
  • To identify indices that predict disease severity and fatal outcomes in pediatric malaria patients.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples were collected from pediatric malaria patients (0-15 years).
  • Spectrophotometry was used to determine levels of creatinine, urea, bilirubin, lactic acid, and nitric oxide.
  • Clinical data was recorded for correlation with biochemical markers.

Main Results:

  • Elevated lactate levels were observed in severe malaria groups (cerebral malaria and anemia).
  • Nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly higher in all malaria groups compared to controls, especially in severe cases.
  • Creatinine, urea, and bilirubin levels were generally within normal ranges, with some exceptions for urea in specific patient subgroups.

Conclusions:

  • Lactate and nitric oxide (NO) are identified as key indicators of poor prognosis in pediatric malaria.
  • While not significant predictors of outcome, creatinine, urea, and bilirubin can be useful for assessing treatment response in severe malaria.
Abstract

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