Changes in laboratory features of 192 children with imported falciparum malaria treated with quinine

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005 Nov;24(11):1017-20. doi: 10.1097/01.inf.0000183774.22593.7c.

Abstract

Little is known about changes in laboratory values of children with imported falciparum malaria. Of 192 children, 69% had parasitemia of 2% or less and 64% had platelets <150 x 10/L. In 20%, parasite counts rose within 12-24 hours of starting treatment before falling, whereas the platelet counts dropped in 45% but returned to normal levels within 5 days. Hemoglobin values were <10 g/dL in 31% at presentation and dropped in 61% at 5-21 days after treatment, but did not fall below 6.8 g/dL in any case. Blood cultures were negative in all children. Hyponatremia (n = 16), jaundice (n = 4) and hypoglycemia (n = 0) were uncommon. Thus most children presented with abnormal laboratory values, which initially worsened in a significant proportion, but none required active intervention once therapy was initiated.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria, Falciparum / blood*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / diagnosis
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Parasitemia / blood*
  • Parasitemia / diagnosis
  • Parasitemia / drug therapy
  • Platelet Count*
  • Quinine / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Travel
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Hemoglobins
  • Quinine