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Malaria in the neonate: how common is it?
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malaria among ill neonates in a special care baby unit.
Methods: Neonates exhibiting any or combination of the following clinical features, pyrexia, anemia, vomiting diarrhea, refusal of feeds, seizures and jaundice, were screened for malaria amongst other investigations for work up. Necessary parameters of the babies and their mothers were collected.
Results: 42% of 1344 babies had malaria, 80.30% of which were in their first week of life 53.6% were males and 46.4% females. Their weights ranged for m 1300g to 4200g with a mean of 3015g, 92.3% were term. Half of the babies were inborn. Associated diagnoses were neonatal malarial. Babies of para 1 and 2 mothers were more effected than those of higher parity. Only one death occurred. The rest of the babies were successfully treated with oral chloroquine.
Conclusion: It is suggested that screening for malaria parasites should be part of the investigative work up of ill neonates.
Keywords: neonate, malaria, prevalence, parasitaemia
Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(1) 2005: 8-11
Methods: Neonates exhibiting any or combination of the following clinical features, pyrexia, anemia, vomiting diarrhea, refusal of feeds, seizures and jaundice, were screened for malaria amongst other investigations for work up. Necessary parameters of the babies and their mothers were collected.
Results: 42% of 1344 babies had malaria, 80.30% of which were in their first week of life 53.6% were males and 46.4% females. Their weights ranged for m 1300g to 4200g with a mean of 3015g, 92.3% were term. Half of the babies were inborn. Associated diagnoses were neonatal malarial. Babies of para 1 and 2 mothers were more effected than those of higher parity. Only one death occurred. The rest of the babies were successfully treated with oral chloroquine.
Conclusion: It is suggested that screening for malaria parasites should be part of the investigative work up of ill neonates.
Keywords: neonate, malaria, prevalence, parasitaemia
Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(1) 2005: 8-11
