[Complicated malaria tropica: specific and supportive therapy in the imported diseases]

Eleven of 43 nonimmune patients with falciparum malaria had one or several organ complications: cerebral malaria, acute respiratory failure, acute renal failure, secondary infection, autoimmune haemolysis, spontaneous spleen rupture, and acute pancreatitis. Parasitaemia was 0.1 to 60%. Initial antiparasitic therapy with quinine given parenterally resulted in rapid regression of parasitaemia. An additional schizonticide agent was given depending on parasitic resistance. Supportive therapy comprised intensive-care monitoring including fluid and electrolyte balance and, if necessary, early haemodialysis and (or) endotracheal intubation with PEEP breathing. In one patient with excessive parasitaemia exchange transfusion was performed. Heparin was given only in proven disseminated intravascular coagulation, corticosteroids only in persistent autoimmune haemolysis. All patients survived without suffering permanent defects. Retrospective analysis shows that, apart from rapid specific therapy, supportive treatment of the individual organ complications determines course and prognosis of complicated falciparum malaria.