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C-reactive protein in children with malaria in Luanda, Angola: a prospective study
Tuula Pelkonen1, Antonia Albino2, Irmeli Roine3
1Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino, Luanda, Angola Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland tuulapelkonen@hotmail.com tuula.i.pelkonen@hus.fi.
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated in children with malaria, particularly in central Africa. Higher CRP indicates increased malaria parasite levels and disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant with limited data in African malaria.
- Understanding CRP's role in pediatric malaria is crucial for this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in children with suspected malaria in central Africa.
- To determine the correlation between CRP and malaria parasitemia and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 346 children with suspected malaria.
- Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels via microscopy.
- Analysis of correlations between CRP, parasitemia, and clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Children with malaria (234) showed significantly higher median CRP (140 mg/L) than those without (69 mg/L).
- CRP positively correlated with parasitemia and hospital stay duration.
- CRP negatively correlated with thrombocyte count and hemoglobin levels.
Conclusions:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increase in pediatric malaria cases.
- CRP serves as a potential indicator of malaria severity and complications.
Background:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant of which little is known in malaria, especially in central Africa.
Methods:
In this prospective study CRP was measured in children with suspected malaria.
Results:
Of 346 children, 234 had positive and 112 negative malaria microscopy. Their median CRP was 140 mg/L (IQR 88) vs 69 mg/L (IQR 129; p<0.001) respectively. CRP was positively correlated with parasitemia (p<0.001), and length of hospital stay (p=0.01), and negatively with thrombocyte count (p=0.01), and hemoglobin level (p=0.01).
Conclusion:
C-reactive protein increases in malaria and correlates with parasitemia and some manifestations of complicated disease.
