Cerebral Malaria in Eastern U.P. (India) - A study under clinical practice conditions

Abstract

Cerebral malaria caused by P. falciparum is a common condition. Clinical profile differs in different parts of world and during epidemics. The objective of study was to document clinical profile of Cerebral Malaria in Eastern UP (North India) which is an endemic area and use of paracheck (Hrp2) as a criteria for diagnosis. Patients with fever, unconsciousness and Hrp2 positivity with exclusion of other causes were diagnosed and treated as cerebral malaria. 40 such patients with mean age 31.5 ± 15.04 years and M:F ratio 3:1 were seen in year 2001-02 with high incidence in rainy season. There was greater incidence of meningeal signs, hepatic and renal involvement but lesser convulsions. Neurological sequelae were common with post malarial psychosis being the commonest. Leucocytosis was commoner than leucopenia. Blood film microscopy was less sensitive than Hrp2 based paracheck test in diagnosis of cerebral malaria. The latter may be used in clinical practice conditions with some reservations.