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Isolation and Analysis of Brain-sequestered Leukocytes from Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected Mice
Published on: January 2, 2013
[Severe imported malaria in critical care patients]
Inês Palma Dos Reis1, Catarina Serafim, Bernardino Valério
1Serviço de Medicina 4.Hospital São Francisco Xavier, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal.
Severe imported malaria cases in Portugal highlight the importance of prompt treatment. Early, aggressive care in intensive units significantly reduces mortality and long-term complications from Plasmodium falciparum infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Imported malaria poses a significant diagnostic challenge in non-endemic regions like Portugal.
- Severe clinical forms of malaria can result in high mortality rates.
Observation:
- Seven cases of severe imported malaria were admitted to an intensive care unit between 2000 and 2010.
- All cases involved Plasmodium falciparum, acquired from travel to African endemic areas.
- Inadequate prophylaxis was noted in most patients.
Findings:
- High parasitemia in non-immune individuals and delayed treatment correlated with severe clinical presentations and organ failure.
- Organ support and exchange blood transfusions were necessary for some patients.
- A single death occurred, linked to a significant delay in initiating therapy.
Implications:
- Early and aggressive treatment in a critical care setting is crucial for managing severe imported malaria.
- Prompt intervention can lead to favorable outcomes with low mortality and minimal sequelae.
- Intensive care management is vital for patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
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