Delayed presentation to hospital care is associated with sequelae but not mortality in children with cerebral malaria in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cerebral malaria is still a major cause of death in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Among survivors, debilitating neurological sequelae can leave children with permanent cognitive impairments and societal stigma, resulting in taxing repercussions for their families. This study investigated the effect of delay in presentation to medical care on outcome in children with cerebral malaria in Malawi.

Methods

This retrospective study included participants enrolled in a longstanding study of cerebral malaria between 2001 and 2021 and considered coma duration prior to arrival at hospital (with or without anti-malarial treatment), HIV status, blood lactate levels at admission and age as factors that could affect clinical outcome. Outcomes were categorized as full recovery,

SUBMITTER: Borgstein A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8864854 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature