A study of atypical presentations and rare complications of malaria

Abstract

Objective: To analyse and observe various atypical presentations and rare complications of malarial diseaseMaterial and Methods: In this analytical study, 60 patients who are admitted with or diagnosed with malaria (P. falciparum/P. vivax) in GSL General Hospital, Rajahmundry studied in a period of 2years investigated with complete homograft, peripheral smear, liver function tests, renal function tests, CT chest, ECG, 2D ECHO in relevance to complaints/symptoms/presentation were included after a well-informed consent. Detailed history and findings of clinical examination were noted in a prevalidated proforma.Results: In this current study the mean age of the participants was observed to be 46.83 ±17.23 years. 58.3% were the cases which are falciparum positive, 8.3% were positive for vivax and falciparum, 33.3% were positive for vivax. most common presenting complaints were that 40% had pain abdomen 3.3% had anasarca, 23.3% had diarrhoea, 1.7% had jaundice, 5% had pedal edema, 5% had decreased urine, 11.7% had seizures, 1.7% had quadriplegia, 6.7% had add altered sensorium, 1.7% had weakness and tingling toes, 5% had headache.Conclusion: In the area’s endemic to malaria, even with unusual presentation with multisystem involvement one need to consider Malaria as high degree of suspicion or as an alternate diagnosis to prevent further clinical deterioration.