[Caracteristics Of Severe Malaria In Child From 0 To 5 Years At The Hospital Of Sikasso In Mali]

Area of Science:

• Tropical medicine
• Pediatric infectious diseases
• Public health epidemiology

Context:

• Malaria poses a major public health challenge in Mali, with the Sikasso region experiencing prolonged seasonal transmission.
• Understanding severe malaria in young children is critical for targeted interventions.

Purpose:

• To characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles of children aged 0-5 years hospitalized with severe malaria in Sikasso, Mali.
• To analyze factors influencing outcomes in severe pediatric malaria cases.

Summary:

• A retrospective study of 0-5 year olds hospitalized for severe malaria in Sikasso revealed a 55.82% hospital frequency.
• The 12-35 month age group was most affected, with peak incidence in August. Anemic and mixed (anemia/neurological) forms were most common.
• Lethality was 10%, with mixed forms being most fatal. Artemether, quinine, and blood transfusions were key interventions.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the substantial burden of severe malaria in young children in the Sikasso region.
• The high lethality rate emphasizes the need for enhanced malaria control measures and improved clinical management.
• This study provides crucial data for public health policymakers to prioritize malaria prevention and treatment in Mali.