Imported malaria in pregnancy in Madrid

Area of Science:

• Clinical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Malaria in pregnancy poses significant risks in endemic regions, but data on imported cases in non-endemic areas is limited.
• This study addresses the scarcity of information regarding malaria in pregnant women diagnosed in non-endemic settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of malaria among pregnant women in Madrid, Spain.
• To identify high-risk groups and inform targeted public health interventions for malaria prevention in pregnant immigrants.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using laboratory-confirmed malaria cases in pregnant women.
• Data was collected from medical records at two general hospitals in Madrid over 6 and 11 years.
• Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 19 pregnant women accounted for 5.4% of malaria cases; most were young, multigravid, sub-Saharan immigrants visiting friends/relatives.
• Common presentations included fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, with Plasmodium falciparum being the causative agent.
• While no severe maternal complications or deaths occurred, two abortions were noted.

Conclusions:

• Young sub-Saharan immigrant women visiting friends/relatives without pre-travel advice are a key at-risk group for imported malaria.
• Adverse maternal and fetal effects, including anemia and stillbirth, highlight the importance of considering malaria in pregnant patients with unexplained anemia.
• Findings support targeted preventive strategies for immigrant populations and clinician awareness.