PREDICTORS OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN RESPONSE IN CHILDREN INFECTED WITH PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, is a significant health concern in endemic regions.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant often elevated during infection.
• Understanding CRP response predictors in pediatric malaria is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors predicting C-reactive protein (CRP) response in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• To investigate the relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters and CRP levels in pediatric malaria patients.
• To enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for malaria in children.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted.
• 360 children with confirmed P. falciparum malaria were compared to 360 healthy controls.
• Data on clinical signs (fever) and laboratory markers (parasite count, anemia) were collected.

Main Results:

• Fever, high malaria parasite count, and severe anemia were significant predictors of elevated CRP (≥ 10mg/l).
• Younger children exhibited a more pronounced CRP response.
• Logistic regression demonstrated good predictive values for CRP response (sensitivity 66.9%, specificity 92.1%).

Conclusions:

• Plasmodium falciparum malaria elicits a substantial C-reactive protein response in children.
• Clinical indicators like fever, hyperparasitemia, and severe anemia, especially in younger children, are associated with a significant CRP response.
• These findings aid in assessing malaria severity and patient outcomes.