Resolution pattern of jaundice among children presenting with severe malaria in rural South-West Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Severe malaria is a significant cause of childhood mortality globally.
• Jaundice is a common complication in children with severe malaria.
• Antimalarial drug efficacy in resolving malaria-related complications requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the pattern and speed of jaundice resolution in pediatric patients with severe malaria.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of artemether versus quinine in resolving jaundice.
• To provide clinical insights into managing jaundice in severe malaria.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 32 children with severe malaria.
• Participants were divided into two groups: one treated with quinine (Q) and the other with artemether (A).
• Jaundice assessment was performed through clinical examination throughout the study period.

Main Results:

• 50% of recruited children presented with jaundice at the time of enrollment.
• On day 3, fewer children in the artemether group (4/16) showed jaundice compared to the quinine group (6/16).
• Complete resolution of jaundice was observed in all children by day 7, irrespective of the treatment group.

Conclusions:

• Both quinine and artemether effectively resolve jaundice in children with severe malaria.
• Artemether demonstrates a trend towards faster jaundice resolution by the third day of treatment.
• These findings support artemether as a potentially advantageous treatment option for severe malaria presenting with jaundice.