Left ventricular function by strain in uncomplicated malaria: a prospective study from the Brazilian Amazon

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Malaria is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions.
• The systemic effects of malaria, particularly on cardiovascular function, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate left ventricular contractile function in adults with uncomplicated malaria compared to a healthy population.
• To assess the impact of antimalarial treatment on left ventricular function in malaria patients.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis was used to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS).
• Peripheral blood smears were utilized for malaria diagnosis and parasite density assessment.
• Logistic regression and paired t-tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Adults with uncomplicated malaria exhibited significantly lower GLS compared to the general population (18.7% vs. 19.4%, P=0.002).
• Following antimalarial treatment, GLS improved in malaria patients (19.2%, P=0.032).
• Higher parasite density was associated with worse GLS, and baseline GLS remained associated with malaria status after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Uncomplicated malaria is associated with impaired left ventricular contractile function.
• Antimalarial treatment leads to recovery of left ventricular function.
• Malaria infection may adversely affect cardiac function, warranting further research.