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Fan S, Ma J. The value of five scoring systems in predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory failure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4760. [PMID: 38413621 PMCID: PMC10899590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to identify the optimal scoring system for predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory failure (SA-ARF). All data were taken from the fourth version of the Markets in Intensive Care Medicine (MIMIC-IV) database. Independent risk factors for death in hospitals were confirmed by regression analysis. The predictive value of the five scoring systems was evaluated by receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Kaplan‒Meier curves showed the impact of acute physiology score III (APSIII) on survival and prognosis in patients with SA-ARF. Decision curve analysis (DCA) identified a scoring system with the highest net clinical benefit. ROC curve analysis showed that APS III (AUC: 0.755, 95% Cl 0.714-0.768) and Logical Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) (AUC: 0.731, 95% Cl 0.717-0.7745) were better than Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) (AUC: 0.727, 95% CI 0.713-0.741), Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score (OASIS) (AUC: 0.706, 95% CI 0.691-0.720) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (AUC: 0.606, 95% CI 0.590-0.621) in assessing in-hospital mortality. Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis patients in the high-APS III score group had a considerably poorer median survival time. The DCA curve showed that APS III may provide better clinical benefits for patients. We demonstrated that the APS III score is an excellent predictor of in-hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Fan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Mitran C, Opoka RO, Conroy AL, Namasopo S, Kain KC, Hawkes MT. Pediatric Malaria with Respiratory Distress: Prognostic Significance of Point-of-Care Lactate. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040923. [PMID: 37110346 PMCID: PMC10145304 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory distress (RD) in pediatric malaria portends a grave prognosis. Lactic acidosis is a biomarker of severe disease. We investigated whether lactate, measured at admission using a handheld device among children hospitalized with malaria and RD, was predictive of subsequent mortality. We performed a pooled analysis of Ugandan children under five years of age hospitalized with malaria and RD from three past studies. In total, 1324 children with malaria and RD (median age 1.4 years, 46% female) from 21 health facilities were included. Median lactate level at admission was 4.6 mmol/L (IQR 2.6–8.5) and 586 patients (44%) had hyperlactatemia (lactate > 5 mmol/L). The mortality was 84/1324 (6.3%). In a mixed-effects Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for age, sex, clinical severity score (fixed effects), study, and site (random effects), hyperlactatemia was associated with a 3-fold increased hazard of death (aHR 3.0, 95%CI 1.8–5.3, p < 0.0001). Delayed capillary refill time (τ = 0.14, p < 0.0001), hypotension (τ = −0.10, p = 0.00049), anemia (τ = −0.25, p < 0.0001), low tissue oxygen delivery (τ = −0.19, p < 0.0001), high parasite density (τ = 0.10, p < 0.0001), and acute kidney injury (p = 0.00047) were associated with higher lactate levels. In children with malaria and RD, bedside lactate may be a useful triage tool, predictive of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Mitran
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Andrea L. Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sophie Namasopo
- Department of Paediatrics, Kabale District Hospital, Kabale P.O. Box 1102, Uganda
| | - Kevin C. Kain
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Department of Medicine, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Michael T. Hawkes
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
- Stollery Science Lab, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
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Srinamon K, Watson JA, Silamut K, Intharabut B, Phu NH, Diep PT, Lyke KE, Fanello C, von Seidlein L, Chotivanich K, Dondorp AM, Day NPJ, White NJ. The prognostic and diagnostic value of intraleukocytic malaria pigment in patients with severe falciparum malaria. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6882. [PMID: 36371433 PMCID: PMC9653500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe falciparum malaria is a major cause of death in tropical countries, particularly in African children. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and prognostic assessment are critical to clinical management. In 6027 prospectively studied patients diagnosed with severe malaria we assess the prognostic value of peripheral blood film counts of malaria pigment containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes. We combine these results with previously published data and show, in an individual patient data meta-analysis (n = 32,035), that the proportion of pigment containing PMNs is predictive of in-hospital mortality. In African children the proportion of pigment containing PMNs helps distinguish severe malaria from other life-threatening febrile illnesses, and it adds to the prognostic assessment from simple bedside examination, and to the conventional malaria parasite count. Microscopy assessment of pigment containing PMNs is simple and rapid, and should be performed in all patients hospitalised with suspected severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketsanee Srinamon
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - James A. Watson
- grid.412433.30000 0004 0429 6814Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK ,grid.499581.8WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK
| | - Kamolrat Silamut
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Benjamas Intharabut
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Nguyen Hoan Phu
- grid.412433.30000 0004 0429 6814Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Pham Thi Diep
- grid.412433.30000 0004 0429 6814Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Kirsten E. Lyke
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Caterina Fanello
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK
| | - Nicholas J. White
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG UK
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Abstract
Severe malaria is a medical emergency. It is a major cause of preventable childhood death in tropical countries. Severe malaria justifies considerable global investment in malaria control and elimination yet, increasingly, international agencies, funders and policy makers are unfamiliar with it, and so it is overlooked. In sub-Saharan Africa, severe malaria is overdiagnosed in clinical practice. Approximately one third of children diagnosed with severe malaria have another condition, usually sepsis, as the cause of their severe illness. But these children have a high mortality, contributing substantially to the number of deaths attributed to ‘severe malaria’. Simple well-established tests, such as examination of the thin blood smear and the full blood count, improve the specificity of diagnosis and provide prognostic information in severe malaria. They should be performed more widely. Early administration of artesunate and broad-spectrum antibiotics to all children with suspected severe malaria would reduce global malaria mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Machini B, Achia TNO, Kipruto H, Amboko B, Chesang J. Factors associated with hospital length of stay in patients admitted with suspected malaria in Kenya: secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059263. [PMID: 35725248 PMCID: PMC9214361 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate factors associated with hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients admitted with suspected malaria using a competing risk approach. SETTING County government referrals and major faith-based hospitals in Kenya in 2018. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey data. PARTICIPANTS Data were extracted from 2396 medical records of patients admitted with suspected malaria at 90 hospitals. OUTCOME MEASURES LOS, defined as time to discharge, was the primary event of interest, and time to death was the competing event against patient factors assessed during admission and hospitalisation. RESULTS Among the patients analysed, 2283 were discharged, 49 died and 64 were censored. The median LOS was 4 days (IQR: 3-6 days). The cumulative incidence of discharge significantly decreased (p<0.05) by 12.7% (subdistribution-HR (SDHR): 0.873; 95% CI 0.789 to 0.967) when the respiratory rate was assessed, by 14.1% (SDHR 0.859; 95% CI 0.754 to 0.978) when oxygen saturation was monitored, by 23.1% (SDHR 0.769; 95% CI 0.709 to 0.833) and 23.4% (SDHR 0.766; 95% CI 0.704 to 0.833) when haemoglobin/haematocrit and glucose/random blood sugar were performed, respectively, and by 30.4% (SDHR 0.696; 95% CI 0.626 to 0.774) when patients had at least one clinical feature of severe malaria. Conversely, patients with confirmed severe malaria and those treated with injectable artesunate had a significantly increased cumulative incidence of discharge by 21.4% (SDHR 1.214; 95% CI 1.082 to 1.362) and 33.9% (SDHR 1.339; 95% CI 1.184 to 1.515), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Factors of inpatient clinical processes that influence hospital LOS were identified. These can be targeted during quality improvement interventions to enhance health service delivery in Kenya. Early recognition and appropriate management of the signs of malaria severity could greatly affect beneficial outcomes. Strengthening clinical practices and nursing care according to national case management guidelines should be a priority for malaria control managers in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Machini
- Division of National Malaria Programme, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thomas N O Achia
- Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hillary Kipruto
- Regional Office for Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Jacqueline Chesang
- Department of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Yue J, Zheng R, Wei H, Li J, Wu J, Wang P, Zhao H. Childhood Mortality After Fluid Bolus With Septic or Severe Infection Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Shock 2021; 56:158-166. [PMID: 32881758 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A considerable debate on whether fluid bolus could decrease childhood mortality in pediatric patients with septic or severe infection shock is still unresolved. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the mortality rates after fluid bolus among children with septic or severe infection shock. METHODS A systematic electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases was conducted to identify relevant published studies till March 30, 2020. RESULTS A total of 19 studies with 9,321 severe sepsis or septic shock pediatric patients were included and exhibited an acceptable quality. Of the 17 studies that reported mortality at 48 h, no bolus group decreased the mortality rate when compared with bolus group with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.62-0.88, P < 0.01], and showed no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Similar results were observed on colloids and crystalloids solution in malaria shock cases with a RR of 0.79 (95% CI = 0.62-1.02). For the subgroup of general shock patients, no significant difference was shown with an RR of 0.79 (95% CI = 0.62-1.02, P = 0.07) and no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Two studies reported mortality at week 4 and pooled results indicated that no bolus group was protective against mortality when compared with bolus group with RR of 0.71 (95% CI = 0.57-0.88, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION For the mortality at 48 h, the no bolus group showed decreased mortality when compared with the bolus group, especially in the malaria group. Similar results were found in the colloids and crystalloids solution in patients with malaria shock. Meta-analysis studies with long-term follow-up period and larger sample size are warranted to address the conclusion in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yue
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ronghao Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiping Wei
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiannan Wu
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Emergency Department, Maternity And Child Health Care Hospital Hubei, Women And Children's Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mzumara G, Leopold S, Marsh K, Dondorp A, Ohuma EO, Mukaka M. Identifying prognostic factors of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia in African children with severe falciparum malaria: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Malar J 2021; 20:282. [PMID: 34172046 PMCID: PMC8234663 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury are major causes of mortality in children with severe malaria but are often underdiagnosed in low resource settings. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the 'Artesunate versus quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria in African children' (AQUAMAT) trial was conducted to identify clinical features of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia in 5425 children from nine African countries. Separate models were fitted for uraemia and severe metabolic acidosis. Separate univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify prognostic factors for severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia. Both analyses adjusted for the trial arm. A forward selection approach was used for model building of the logistic models and a threshold of 5% statistical significance was used for inclusion of variables into the final logistic model. Model performance was assessed through calibration, discrimination, and internal validation with bootstrapping. RESULTS There were 2296 children identified with severe metabolic acidosis and 1110 with uraemia. Prognostic features of severe metabolic acidosis among them were deep breathing (OR: 3.94, CI 2.51-6.2), hypoglycaemia (OR: 5.16, CI 2.74-9.75), coma (OR: 1.72 CI 1.17-2.51), respiratory distress (OR: 1.46, CI 1.02-2.1) and prostration (OR: 1.88 CI 1.35-2.59). Features associated with uraemia were coma (3.18, CI 2.36-4.27), Prostration (OR: 1.78 CI 1.37-2.30), decompensated shock (OR: 1.89, CI 1.31-2.74), black water fever (CI 1.58. CI 1.09-2.27), jaundice (OR: 3.46 CI 2.21-5.43), severe anaemia (OR: 1.77, CI 1.36-2.29) and hypoglycaemia (OR: 2.77, CI 2.22-3.46) CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory parameters representing contributors and consequences of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia were independently associated with these outcomes. The model can be useful for identifying patients at high risk of these complications where laboratory assessments are not routinely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Mzumara
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital College of Medicine, Chichiri 3, P.O. Box 30096, Blantyre, Malawi.
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK.
| | - Stije Leopold
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Arjen Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eric O Ohuma
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) Centre, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
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Patel H, Dunican C, Cunnington AJ. Predictors of outcome in childhood Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Virulence 2020; 11:199-221. [PMID: 32063099 PMCID: PMC7051137 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1726570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria is classified as either uncomplicated or severe, determining clinical management and providing a framework for understanding pathogenesis. Severe malaria in children is defined by the presence of one or more features associated with adverse outcome, but there is wide variation in the predictive value of these features. Here we review the evidence for the usefulness of these features, alone and in combination, to predict death and other adverse outcomes, and we consider the role that molecular biomarkers may play in augmenting this prediction. We also examine whether a more personalized approach to predicting outcome for specific presenting syndromes of severe malaria, particularly cerebral malaria, has the potential to be more accurate. We note a general need for better external validation in studies of outcome predictors and for the demonstration that predictors can be used to guide clinical management in a way that improves survival and long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsita Patel
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Dunican
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Aubrey J. Cunnington
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
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9
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Olupot-Olupot P, Engoru C, Nteziyaremye J, Chebet M, Ssenyondo T, Muhindo R, Nyutu G, Macharia AW, Uyoga S, Ndila CM, Karamagi C, Maitland K, Williams TN. The clinical spectrum of severe childhood malaria in Eastern Uganda. Malar J 2020; 19:322. [PMID: 32883291 PMCID: PMC7470679 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few recent descriptions of severe childhood malaria have been published from high-transmission regions. In the current study, the clinical epidemiology of severe malaria in Mbale, Eastern Uganda, is described, where the entomological inoculation rate exceeds 100 infective bites per year. METHODS A prospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence, clinical spectrum and outcome of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda. All children aged 2 months-12 years who presented on Mondays to Fridays between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm from 5th May 2011 until 30th April 2012 were screened for parasitaemia. Clinical and laboratory data were then collected from all P. falciparum positive children with features of WHO-defined severe malaria by use of a standardized proforma. RESULTS A total of 10 208 children were screened of which 6582 (64%) had a positive blood film. Of these children, 662 (10%) had clinical features of severe malaria and were consented for the current study. Respiratory distress was the most common severity feature (554; 83.7%), while 365/585 (62.4%) had hyperparasitaemia, 177/662 (26.7%) had clinical jaundice, 169 (25.5%) had severe anaemia, 134/660 (20.2%) had hyperlactataemia (lactate ≥ 5 mmol/L), 93 (14.0%) had passed dark red or black urine, 52 (7.9%) had impaired consciousness and 49/662 (7.4%) had hypoxaemia (oxygen saturations < 90%). In-hospital mortality was 63/662 (9.5%) overall but was higher in children with either cerebral malaria (33.3%) or severe anaemia (19.5%). Factors that were independently associated with mortality on multivariate analysis included severe anaemia [odds ratio (OR) 5.36; 2.16-1.32; P = 0.0002], hyperlactataemia (OR 3.66; 1.72-7.80; P = 0.001), hypoxaemia (OR) 3.64 (95% CI 1.39-9.52; P = 0.008), and hepatomegaly (OR 2.29; 1.29-4.06; P = 0.004). No independent association was found between mortality and either coma or hyperparasitaemia. CONCLUSIONS Severe childhood malaria remains common in Eastern Uganda where it continues to be associated with high mortality. An unusually high proportion of children with severe malaria had jaundice or gave a history of having recently passed dark red or black urine, an issue worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olupot-Olupot
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale Campus, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda.
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1966, Mbale, Uganda.
| | - Charles Engoru
- Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 289, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Julius Nteziyaremye
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale Campus, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1966, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Martin Chebet
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale Campus, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1966, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Tonny Ssenyondo
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1966, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Rita Muhindo
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1966, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Gideon Nyutu
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Alexander W Macharia
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Sophie Uyoga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Carolyne M Ndila
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kathryn Maitland
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College, Medical School Building St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Thomas N Williams
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College, Medical School Building St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
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Assessment of Hematological Parameters in Malaria, among Adult Patients Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Anemia 2020; 2020:3814513. [PMID: 32373360 PMCID: PMC7191389 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3814513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, which is responsible for a substantial amount of deaths in endemic countries, has been shown to have both direct and indirect effects on the hematological parameters. Notwithstanding, some hematological parameters among populations living in malaria endemic regions have not been described consistently, as a standard for measuring malaria burden. Based on the above fact, this study was designed to assess some hematological changes and their diagnostic values in malaria infected patients. A total of 160 malaria positive adult patients, together with 81 healthy control adults were recruited for the study. For the malaria positive group, the female to male ratio was 1.38 : 1. Specifically, 74.38%, 10.00%, and 15.62% of those in the malaria positive group had mild, moderate, and severe parasitaemia, respectively. Leukemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be significantly associated with malaria and were all estimated to be specific for the diagnosis of malaria. Anemia was, however, estimated to be both sensitive and specific for malaria diagnosis. Therefore, anemia offers the most diagnostic value in the malaria infected patients of this study.
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Tuti T, Agweyu A, Mwaniki P, Peek N, English M. An exploration of mortality risk factors in non-severe pneumonia in children using clinical data from Kenya. BMC Med 2017; 15:201. [PMID: 29129186 PMCID: PMC5682642 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0963-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years old. Recent updates to World Health Organization pneumonia guidelines recommend outpatient care for a population of children previously classified as high risk. This revision has been challenged by policymakers in Africa, where mortality related to pneumonia is higher than in other regions and often complicated by comorbidities. This study aimed to identify factors that best discriminate inpatient mortality risk in non-severe pneumonia and explore whether these factors offer any added benefit over the current criteria used to identify children with pneumonia requiring inpatient care. METHODS We undertook a retrospective cohort study of children aged 2-59 months admitted with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia at 14 public hospitals in Kenya between February 2014 and February 2016. Using machine learning techniques, we analysed whether clinical characteristics and common comorbidities increased the risk of inpatient mortality for non-severe pneumonia. The topmost risk factors were subjected to decision curve analysis to explore if using them as admission criteria had any net benefit above the current criteria. RESULTS Out of 16,162 children admitted with pneumonia during the study period, 10,687 were eligible for subsequent analysis. Inpatient mortality within this non-severe group was 252/10,687 (2.36%). Models demonstrated moderately good performance; the partial least squares discriminant analysis model had higher sensitivity for predicting mortality in comparison to logistic regression. Elevated respiratory rate (≥70 bpm), age 2-11 months and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) < -3SD were highly discriminative of mortality. These factors ranked consistently across the different models. For a risk threshold probability of 7-14%, there is a net benefit to admitting the patient sub-populations with these features as additional criteria alongside those currently used to classify severe pneumonia. Of the population studied, 70.54% met at least one of these criteria. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the overall results were not significantly affected by variations in pneumonia severity classification criteria. CONCLUSIONS Children with non-severe pneumonia aged 2-11 months or with respiratory rate ≥ 70 bpm or very low WAZ experience risks of inpatient mortality comparable to severe pneumonia. Inpatient care is warranted in these high-risk groups of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Tuti
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Mwaniki
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Niels Peek
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Greater Manchester Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Mike English
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Sypniewska P, Duda JF, Locatelli I, Althaus CR, Althaus F, Genton B. Clinical and laboratory predictors of death in African children with features of severe malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2017; 15:147. [PMID: 28768513 PMCID: PMC5541406 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The criteria for defining severe malaria have evolved over the last 20 years. We aimed to assess the strength of association of death with features currently characterizing severe malaria through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge) were searched to identify publications including African children with severe malaria. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Selection was based on design (epidemiological, clinical and treatment studies), setting (Africa), participants (children < 15 years old with severe malaria), outcome (survival/death rate), and prognostic indicators (clinical and laboratory features). Quality assessment was performed following the criteria of the 2011 Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for each study and prognostic indicator, and, when a test was assessed in at least two studies, pooled estimates of ORs were computed using fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 601 articles were identified and screened and 30 publications were retained. Features with the highest pooled ORs were renal failure (5.96, 95% CI 2.93-12.11), coma score (4.83, 95% CI 3.11-7.5), hypoglycemia (4.59, 95% CI 2.68-7.89), shock (4.31, 95% CI 2.15-8.64), and deep breathing (3.8, 95% CI 3.29-4.39). Only half of the criteria had an OR > 2. Features with the lowest pooled ORs were impaired consciousness (0.58, 95% CI 0.25-1.37), severe anemia (0.76, 95% CI 0.5- 1.13), and prostration (1.12, 95% CI 0.45-2.82). CONCLUSION The findings of this meta-analysis show that the strength of association between the criteria defining severe malaria and death is quite variable for each clinical and/or laboratory feature (OR ranging from 0.58 to 5.96). This ranking allowed the identification of features weakly associated with death, such as impaired consciousness and prostration, which could assist to improve case definition, and thus optimize antimalarial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Sypniewska
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jose F Duda
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Locatelli
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabrice Althaus
- International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Blaise Genton
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Perspectives on aetiology, pathophysiology and management of shock in African children. Afr J Emerg Med 2017; 7:S20-S26. [PMID: 30505670 PMCID: PMC6246868 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric shock is still a common emergency of public health importance with an estimated 400,000–500,000 reported cases annually. Mortality due to paediatric shock has varied over the years. Data in 1980s show that mortality rates due to septic shock in children were over 50%; but by the end of the year 2000 data indicated that though a marked decline in mortality rates had been achieved, it had stagnated at about 20%. Descriptions of paediatric shock reveal the lack of a common definition and there are important gaps in evidence-based management in different settings. In well-resourced healthcare systems with well-functioning intensive care facilities, the widespread implementation of shock management guidelines based on the Paediatric Advanced Life Support and European Paediatric Advanced Life Support courses have reduced mortality. In resource limited settings with diverse infectious causative agents, the Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) approach is more pragmatic, but its impact remains circumscribed to centres where ETAT has been implemented and sustained. Advocacy for common management pathways irrespective of underlying cause have been suggested. However, in sub Saharan Africa, the diversity of underlying causative organisms and patient phenotypes may limit a single approach to shock management. Data from a large fluid trial (the FEAST trial) in East Africa have provided vital insight to shock management. In this trial febrile children with clinical features of impaired perfusion were studied. Rapid infusion of fluid boluses, irrespective of whether the fluid was colloid or crystalloid, when compared to maintenance fluids alone had an increased risk of mortality at 48 h. All study participants were promptly managed for underlying conditions and comorbidity such as malaria, bacteraemia, severe anaemia, meningitis, pneumonia, convulsions, hypoglycaemia and others. The overall low mortality in the trial suggests the potential contribution of ETAT, the improved standard of care and supportive treatment across the subgroups in the trial. Strengthening systems that enable rapid identification of shock, prompt treatment of children with correct antimicrobials and supportive care such as oxygen administration and blood transfusion may contribute to better survival outcomes in resources limited settings.
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Brand NR, Opoka RO, Hamre KES, John CC. Differing Causes of Lactic Acidosis and Deep Breathing in Cerebral Malaria and Severe Malarial Anemia May Explain Differences in Acidosis-Related Mortality. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163728. [PMID: 27684745 PMCID: PMC5042445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactic acidosis (LA) is a marker for mortality in severe malaria, but the mechanisms that lead to LA in the different types of severe malaria and the extent to which LA-associated mortality differs by type of severe malaria are not well described. We assessed the frequency of LA in children admitted to Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 193) or severe malarial anemia (SMA, n = 216). LA was compared to mortality and measures of parasite biomass and sequestration (P. falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2) concentration, platelet count), and to a measure of systemic tissue oxygen delivery (hemoglobin level). LA was more frequent in children with SMA than CM (SMA, 47.7%, CM, 34.2%, P = 0.006), but mortality was higher in children with CM (13.0%) than SMA (0.5%, P<0.0001). In CM, LA was associated with increased PfHRP2 concentration and decreased platelet count but was not associated with hemoglobin level. In contrast, in SMA, LA was associated with a decreased hemoglobin level, but was not associated with PfHRP2 concentration or platelet count. LA was related to mortality only in CM. In multivariable regression analysis of the effect PfHRP2 and hemoglobin levels on LA and DB, only PfHRP2 level increased risk of LA and DB in CM, while in SMA, elevated hemoglobin strongly decreased risk of LA and DB, and PfHRP2 level modestly increased risk of LA. The study findings suggest that LA in CM is due primarily to parasite sequestration, which currently has no effective adjunctive therapy, while LA in SMA is due primarily to anemia, which is rapidly corrected with blood transfusion. Differing etiologies of LA in CM and SMA may explain why LA is associated with mortality in CM but not SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Brand
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Makerere University, Department of Pediatrics, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karen E. S. Hamre
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Chandy C. John
- Indiana University, Department of Pediatrics, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Most African children with severe malaria who die do so on the day of admission as a result of the complications of falciparum malaria. We highlight the value of a rapid structured triage assessment to look for emergency signs that will prioritize initial management and implementation of basic life support. This can be delivered with few resources and by non-specialist medical personnel. Reduction in case fatality can only come through the wider appreciation of the need for and application of supportive therapies to treat the life-threatening complications. Hypovolaemia has emerged as a common feature of children presenting with severe malaria complicated by acidosis. Early recognition and prompt treatment may lead to improvements in outcome. We discuss the new evidence supporting the role of hypovolaemia in severe malaria and potential treatment options whilst awaiting the results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Pamba
- The Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/WellcomeTrust Unit, Kenya, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
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16
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Global selection of Plasmodium falciparum virulence antigen expression by host antibodies. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19882. [PMID: 26804201 PMCID: PMC4726288 DOI: 10.1038/srep19882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite proteins called PfEMP1 that are inserted on the surface of infected erythrocytes, play a key role in the severe pathology associated with infection by the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. These proteins mediate binding of infected cells to the endothelial lining of blood vessels as a strategy to avoid clearance by the spleen and are major targets of naturally acquired immunity. PfEMP1 is encoded by a large multi-gene family called var. Mutually-exclusive transcriptional switching between var genes allows parasites to escape host antibodies. This study examined in detail the patterns of expression of var in a well-characterized sample of parasites from Kenyan Children. Instead of observing clear inverse relationships between the expression of broad sub-classes of PfEMP1, we found that expression of different PfEMP1 groups vary relatively independently. Parasite adaptation to host antibodies also appears to involve a general reduction in detectable var gene expression. We suggest that parasites switch both between different PfEMP1 variants and between high and low expression states. Such a strategy could provide a means of avoiding immunological detection and promoting survival under high levels of host immunity.
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Abstract
Over 90% of the world's severe and fatal Plasmodium falciparum malaria is estimated to affect young children in sub-Sahara Africa, where it remains a common cause of hospital admission and inpatient mortality. Few children will ever be managed on high dependency or intensive care units and, therefore, rely on simple supportive treatments and parenteral anti-malarials. There has been some progress on defining best practice for antimalarial treatment with the publication of the AQUAMAT trial in 2010, involving 5,425 children at 11 centres across 9 African countries, showing that in artesunate-treated children, the relative risk of death was 22.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1 to 36.9) lower than in those receiving quinine. Human trials of supportive therapies carried out on the basis of pathophysiology studies, have so far made little progress on reducing mortality; despite appearing to reduce morbidity endpoints, more often than not they have led to an excess of adverse outcomes. This review highlights the spectrum of complications in African children with severe malaria, the therapeutic challenges of managing these in resource-poor settings and examines in-depth the results from clinical trials with a view to identifying the treatment priorities and a future research agenda.
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Kiguli S, Maitland K, George EC, Olupot-Olupot P, Opoka RO, Engoru C, Akech SO, Nyeko R, Mtove G, Reyburn H, Levin M, Babiker AG, Gibb DM, Crawley J. Anaemia and blood transfusion in African children presenting to hospital with severe febrile illness. BMC Med 2015; 13:21. [PMID: 25640706 PMCID: PMC4313469 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-014-0246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anaemia in children is a leading cause of hospital admission and a major cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, yet there are limited published data on blood transfusion in this vulnerable group. METHODS We present data from a large controlled trial of fluid resuscitation (Fluid Expansion As Supportive Therapy (FEAST) trial) on the prevalence, clinical features, and transfusion management of anaemia in children presenting to hospitals in three East African countries with serious febrile illness (predominantly malaria and/or sepsis) and impaired peripheral perfusion. RESULTS Of 3,170 children in the FEAST trial, 3,082 (97%) had baseline haemoglobin (Hb) measurement, 2,346/3,082 (76%) were anaemic (Hb <10 g/dL), and 33% severely anaemic (Hb <5 g/dL). Prevalence of severe anaemia varied from 12% in Kenya to 41% in eastern Uganda. 1,387/3,082 (45%) children were transfused (81% within 8 hours). Adherence to WHO transfusion guidelines was poor. Among severely anaemic children who were not transfused, 52% (54/103) died within 8 hours, and 90% of these deaths occurred within 2.5 hours of randomisation. By 24 hours, 128/1,002 (13%) severely anaemic children had died, compared to 36/501 (7%) and 71/843 (8%) of those with moderate and mild anaemia, respectively. Among children without severe hypotension who were randomised to receive fluid boluses of 0.9% saline or albumin, mortality was increased (10.6% and 10.5%, respectively) compared to controls (7.2%), regardless of admission Hb level. Repeat transfusion varied from ≤2% in Kenya/Tanzania to 6 to 13% at the four Ugandan centres. Adverse reactions to blood were rare (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS Severe anaemia complicates one third of childhood admissions with serious febrile illness to hospitals in East Africa, and is associated with increased mortality. A high proportion of deaths occurred within 2.5 hours of admission, emphasizing the need for rapid recognition and prompt blood transfusion. Adherence to current WHO transfusion guidelines was poor. The high rates of re-transfusion suggest that 20 mL/kg whole blood or 10 mL/kg packed cells may undertreat a significant proportion of anaemic children. Future evaluation of the impact of a larger volume of transfused blood and optimum transfusion management of children with Hb of <6 g/dL is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn Maitland
- Kilifi Clinical Trials Facility, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Etiopathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Malaria. HUMAN AND MOSQUITO LYSOZYMES 2015. [PMCID: PMC7123976 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09432-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium protozoan parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is diffused in tropical areas, where it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. P. falciparum is the most dangerous species, mainly affecting young children. The parasite cycle occurs both in humans (asexual stages) and in mosquitoes (sexual stages). In humans, Plasmodium grows and multiplies within red blood cells using hemoglobin as essential source of nutrients and energy. However, this process generates toxic heme that the parasite aggregates into an insoluble inert biocrystal called hemozoin. This molecule sequesters in various organs (liver, spleen, and brain), potentially contributing to the development of malaria immunopathogenesis. Uncomplicated falciparum malaria clinical frame ranges from asymptomatic infection to classic symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, and muscle aches. However, malaria can also evolve into severe life-threatening complications, including cerebral malaria, severe anemia, respiratory distress, and acute renal failure.
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Orimadegun A, Ogunbosi B, Orimadegun B. Hypoxemia predicts death from severe falciparum malaria among children under 5 years of age in Nigeria: the need for pulse oximetry in case management. Afr Health Sci 2014; 14:397-407. [PMID: 25320590 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v14i2.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxygen saturation is a good marker for disease severity in emergency care. However, studies have not considered its use in identifying individuals infected with Plasmodium falciparum at risk of deaths. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and predictive value of hypoxaemia for deaths in under-5s with severe falciparum malaria infection. METHODS Oxygen saturation was prospectively measured alongside other indicators of disease severity in 369 under-5s admitted to a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Participants were children in whom falciparum malaria parasitaemia was confirmed with blood film microscopy in the presence of any of the World Health Organization-defined life-threatening features for malaria. RESULTS Overall mortality rate was 8.1%. Of the 16 indicators of the disease severity assessed, hypoxaemia (OR=7.54; 95% CI=2.80, 20.29), co-morbidity with pneumonia (OR=19.27; 95% CI=2.87, 29.59), metabolic acidosis (OR=6.21; 95% CI=2.21, 17.47) and hypoglycaemia (OR=19.71; 95% CI=2.61, 25.47) were independent predictors of death. Cerebral malaria, male gender, wasting, hypokalaemia, hyponatriaemia, azotaemia and renal impairment were significantly associated with death in univariate analysis but not logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS Hypoxaemia predicts deaths in Nigerian children with severe malaria, irrespective of other features. Efforts should always be made to measure oxygen saturation as part of the treatments for severe malaria in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebola Orimadegun
- Institute of Child Health College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde Ogunbosi
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bose Orimadegun
- Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Abdi AI, Fegan G, Muthui M, Kiragu E, Musyoki JN, Opiyo M, Marsh K, Warimwe GM, Bull PC. Plasmodium falciparum antigenic variation: relationships between widespread endothelial activation, parasite PfEMP1 expression and severe malaria. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:170. [PMID: 24674301 PMCID: PMC3986854 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1(PfEMP1) is a family of variant surface antigens (VSA) that mediate the adhesion of parasite infected erythrocytes to capillary endothelial cells within host tissues. Opinion is divided over the role of PfEMP1 in the widespread endothelial activation associated with severe malaria. In a previous study we found evidence for differential associations between defined VSA subsets and specific syndromes of severe malaria: group A-like PfEMP1 expression and the “rosetting” phenotype were associated with impaired consciousness and respiratory distress, respectively. This study explores the involvement of widespread endothelial activation in these associations. Methods We used plasma angiopoietin-2 as a marker of widespread endothelial activation. Using logistic regression analysis, we explored the relationships between plasma angiopoietin-2 levels, parasite VSA expression and the two syndromes of severe malaria, impaired consciousness and respiratory distress. Results Plasma angiopoietin-2 was associated with both syndromes. The rosetting phenotype did not show an independent association with respiratory distress when adjusted for angiopoietin-2, consistent with a single pathogenic mechanism involving widespread endothelial activation. In contrast, group A-like PfEMP1 expression and angiopoietin-2 maintained independent associations with impaired consciousness when adjusted for each other. Conclusion The results are consistent with multiple pathogenic mechanisms leading to severe malaria and heterogeneity in the pathophysiology of impaired consciousness. The observed association between group A-like PfEMP1 and impaired consciousness does not appear to involve widespread endothelial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdirahman I Abdi
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P,O, Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
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Bhaskaran K, Ebonyi AO, Walther B, Walther M. Predictors of hyperlactataemia among children presenting with malaria in a low transmission area in The Gambia. Malar J 2013; 12:423. [PMID: 24237749 PMCID: PMC3842629 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperlactataemia and metabolic acidosis are important risk factors for malaria death, but measuring lactate at the point of care is not financially viable in many resource-poor settings. This study aimed to identify combinations of routinely available parameters that could identify children at high risk of hyperlactataemia. METHODS Using data from a study of Gambian children aged six months to 16 years with severe or uncomplicated malaria, logistic regression modelling with a forward stepwise model selection process was used to develop a predictive model for hyperlactataemia from routinely available demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Potential predictors of hyperlactataemia considered for the modelling process were patient characteristics (age, sex, prior use of anti-malarials, and weight percentile for age), respiratory symptoms (deep breathing, irregular respiration, use of accessory muscles of respiration, lung crepitations, grunting respiration, cough, and age-specific respiratory rate), other clinical parameters recorded at presentation (duration of symptoms, Blantyre coma score, number of convulsions prior to admission, axillary temperature, dehydration, severe prostration, splenomegaly) and laboratory measures from blood tests (percentage parasitaemia, white cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, platelet count, haemoglobin level, blood glucose level). RESULTS 495 children were included, and 68 (14%) had laboratory-confirmed hyperlactataemia (lactate > 7 mmol/L). Four features were independently associated with increased hyperlactataemia risk in a multivariable age- and sex-adjusted model: lower Blantyre score (odds ratio (OR) compared to score 5 = 2.68 (95% CI, 1.03-6.96) for score 3-4 and 6.18 (95% CI, 2.24-17.07) for score 0-2, p = 0.001), higher percentage parasitaemia (OR = 1.07 (1.03-1.11) per 0031% increase, p < 0.001), high respiratory rate for age (OR = 3.09 (1.50-6.38) per unit increase, p = 0.002), and deep breathing (OR = 2.81 (1.20-6.60), p = 0.02). Cross-validated predictions from the final model achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83. CONCLUSIONS This study identified predictors of hyperlactataemia requiring only simple bedside clinical examination and blood film examination that can be carried out in resource-limited settings to quickly identify children at risk of dangerously raised lactate. A simple spreadsheet tool implementing the final model is supplied as supplementary material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Bhaskaran
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Pathogenesis of malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:346-58. [PMID: 23742967 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS) is an increasingly reported, often lethal, and incompletely understood complication of malaria. We discuss and compare the pathogenesis of MA-ARDS in patients and in different murine models, including recent models without cerebral involvement, and summarize the roles of different leukocyte subclasses, adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. In patients as well as in mice, severe edema and impaired gas exchange are associated with abundant inflammatory infiltrates consisting of mainly mononuclear cells and parasite sequestration, and the pathogenesis appears different from cerebral malaria (CM). Experimental anti-inflammatory interventions are successful in mice and remain to be validated in patients.
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Lundblom K, Murungi L, Nyaga V, Olsson D, Rono J, Osier F, Ogada E, Montgomery S, Scott JAG, Marsh K, Färnert A. Plasmodium falciparum infection patterns since birth and risk of severe malaria: a nested case-control study in children on the coast of Kenya. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56032. [PMID: 23418502 PMCID: PMC3572150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Children in malaria endemic areas acquire immunity to severe malaria faster than to mild malaria. Only a minority of children suffers from severe malaria and it is not known what determines this. The aim of this study was to establish how P. falciparum infections during the first years of life affect the risk of severe malaria. A matched case-control study was nested within a large birth cohort set up to study the immunoepidemiology of pneumococci on the Kenyan coast. Infection patterns in three-monthly blood samples in cohort children admitted to hospital with severe malaria were compared to controls matched on age, residential location and time of sampling. P. falciparum detected at least once from birth conferred an increased risk of severe malaria and particularly if multiclonal infections, as characterized by genotyping of a polymorphic antigen gene, were ever detected. The results show for the first time that children with severe malaria have more infections early in life compared to community controls. These findings provide important insights on the immunity to severe disease, knowledge essential for the development of a vaccine against severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Lundblom
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Cserti-Gazdewich CM, Dhabangi A, Musoke C, Ssewanyana I, Ddungu H, Nakiboneka-Ssenabulya D, Nabukeera-Barungi N, Mpimbaza A, Dzik WH. Inter-relationships of cardinal features and outcomes of symptomatic pediatric Plasmodium falciparum MALARIA in 1,933 children in Kampala, Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013; 88:747-756. [PMID: 23358640 PMCID: PMC3617864 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a challenging diagnosis with variable clinical presentation and a wide spectrum of disease severity. Using a structured case report form, we prospectively assessed 1,933 children at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Children with uncomplicated malaria significantly differed from those with severe disease for 17 features. Among 855 children with severe disease, the case-fatality rate increased as the number of severity features increased. Logistic regression identified five factors independently associated with death: cerebral malaria, hypoxia, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and lactic acidosis. Cluster analysis identified two groups: one combining anemia, splenomegaly, and leukocytosis; and a second group centered on death, severe thrombocytopenia, and lactic acidosis, which included cerebral malaria, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and hyper-parasitemia. Our report updates previous clinical descriptions of severe malaria, quantifies significant clinical and laboratory inter-relationships, and will assist clinicians treating malaria and those planning or assessing future research (NCT00707200) (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Walter H. Dzik
- *Address correspondence to Walter H. Dzik, Department of Pathology, Blood Transfusion Service, J224, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114. E-mail:
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Olupot-Olupot P, Maitland K. Management of severe malaria: results from recent trials. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 764:241-50. [PMID: 23654072 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4726-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, malaria remains a substantial public health burden with an estimated 349-552 million clinical cases of P. falciparum malaria each year--leading to 780,000 deaths directly attributable to the disease. Whilst the outcome from severe malaria in Africa children remains poor, recent developments in the management of malaria have come from two key sources--the introduction of new, safe and rapidly-effective anti-malarials and high quality evidence from two of the largest clinical trials ever conducted in African children with severe malaria. As a result, the time-honoured anti-malarial treatment for severe malaria, quinine, will now be replaced by artesunate, a water-soluble artemisinin derivative. Supportive care, specifically the management of shock, has been informed by a large late phase clinical trial which concluded that bolus resuscitation is harmful and therefore should be avoided in children with severe malaria, including the high risk group with severe metabolic acidosis and advanced shock.
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Warimwe GM, Fegan G, Musyoki JN, Newton CRJC, Opiyo M, Githinji G, Andisi C, Menza F, Kitsao B, Marsh K, Bull PC. Prognostic indicators of life-threatening malaria are associated with distinct parasite variant antigen profiles. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:129ra45. [PMID: 22496547 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PfEMP1 is a family of cytoadhesive surface antigens expressed on erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most severe form of malaria. These surface antigens play a role in immune evasion and are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of the malaria parasite. Previous studies have suggested a role for a specific subset of PfEMP1 called "group A" in severe malaria. To explore the role of group A PfEMP1 in disease, we measured the expression of the var genes that encode them in parasites from clinical isolates collected from children suffering from malaria. We also looked at the ability of these clinical isolates to induce rosetting of erythrocytes, which indicates a cytoadhesion phenotype that is thought to be important in pathogenesis. These two sets of data were correlated with the presence of two life-threatening manifestations of severe malaria in the children: impaired consciousness and respiratory distress. Using regression analysis, we show that marked rosetting was associated with respiratory distress, whereas elevated expression of group A-like var genes without elevated rosetting was associated with impaired consciousness. The results suggest that manifestations of malarial disease may reflect the distribution of cytoadhesion phenotypes expressed by the infecting parasite population.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Warimwe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P. O. Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
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von Seidlein L, Olaosebikan R, Hendriksen ICE, Lee SJ, Adedoyin OT, Agbenyega T, Nguah SB, Bojang K, Deen JL, Evans J, Fanello CI, Gomes E, Pedro AJ, Kahabuka C, Karema C, Kivaya E, Maitland K, Mokuolu OA, Mtove G, Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Nadjm B, Nansumba M, Ngum WP, Onyamboko MA, Reyburn H, Sakulthaew T, Silamut K, Tshefu AK, Umulisa N, Gesase S, Day NPJ, White NJ, Dondorp AM. Predicting the clinical outcome of severe falciparum malaria in african children: findings from a large randomized trial. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:1080-90. [PMID: 22412067 PMCID: PMC3309889 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Four predictors were independently associated with an increased risk of death: acidosis, cerebral manifestations of malaria, elevated blood urea nitrogen, or signs of chronic illness. The standard base deficit was found to be the single most relevant predictor of death. Background. Data from the largest randomized, controlled trial for the treatment of children hospitalized with severe malaria were used to identify such predictors of a poor outcome from severe malaria. Methods. African children (<15 years) with severe malaria participated in a randomized comparison of parenteral artesunate and parenteral quinine in 9 African countries. Detailed clinical assessment was performed on admission. Parasite densities were assessed in a reference laboratory. Predictors of death were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results. Twenty indicators of disease severity were assessed, out of which 5 (base deficit, impaired consciousness, convulsions, elevated blood urea, and underlying chronic illness) were associated independently with death. Tachypnea, respiratory distress, deep breathing, shock, prostration, low pH, hyperparasitemia, severe anemia, and jaundice were statistically significant indicators of death in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate model. Age, glucose levels, axillary temperature, parasite density, heart rate, blood pressure, and blackwater fever were not related to death in univariate models. Conclusions. Acidosis, cerebral involvement, renal impairment, and chronic illness are key independent predictors for a poor outcome in African children with severe malaria. Mortality is markedly increased in cerebral malaria combined with acidosis. Clinical Trial Registration. ISRCTN50258054.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz von Seidlein
- Department of Global Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia.
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Mtove G, Nadjm B, Hendriksen ICE, Amos B, Muro F, Todd J, Reyburn H. Point-of-care measurement of blood lactate in children admitted with febrile illness to an African District Hospital. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 53:548-54. [PMID: 21865191 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cir471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactic acidosis is a consistent predictor of mortality owing to severe infectious disease, but its detection in low-income settings is limited to the clinical sign of "deep breathing" because of the lack of accessible technology for its measurement. We evaluated the use of a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic device for blood lactate measurement to assess the severity of illness in children admitted to a district hospital in Tanzania. METHODS Children between the ages of 2 months and 13 years with a history of fever were enrolled in the study during a period of 1 year. A full clinical history and examination were undertaken, and blood was collected for culture, microscopy, complete blood cell count, and POC measurement of blood lactate and glucose. RESULTS The study included 3248 children, of whom 164 (5.0%) died; 45 (27.4%) of these had raised levels of blood lactate (>5 mmol/L) but no deep breathing. Compared with mortality in children with lactate levels of ≤ 3 mmol/L, the unadjusted odds of dying were 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI].8-3.0), 3.4 (95% CI, 1.5-7.5), and 8.9 (95% CI, 4.7-16.8) in children with blood lactate levels of 3.1-5.0, 5.1-8.0, or >8.0 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of raised lactate levels (>5 mmol/L) was greater in children with malaria than in children with nonmalarial febrile illness (P < .001) although the associated mortality was greater in slide-negative children. CONCLUSIONS POC lactate measurement can contribute to the assessment of children admitted to hospital with febrile illness and can also create an opportunity for more hospitals in resource-poor settings to participate in clinical trials of interventions to reduce mortality associated with hyperlactatemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Centre, Tanzania
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Vekemans J, Marsh K, Greenwood B, Leach A, Kabore W, Soulanoudjingar S, Asante KP, Ansong D, Evans J, Sacarlal J, Bejon P, Kamthunzi P, Salim N, Njuguna P, Hamel MJ, Otieno W, Gesase S, Schellenberg D. Assessment of severe malaria in a multicenter, phase III, RTS, S/AS01 malaria candidate vaccine trial: case definition, standardization of data collection and patient care. Malar J 2011; 10:221. [PMID: 21816031 PMCID: PMC3221632 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An effective malaria vaccine, deployed in conjunction with other malaria interventions, is likely to substantially reduce the malaria burden. Efficacy against severe malaria will be a key driver for decisions on implementation. An initial study of an RTS, S vaccine candidate showed promising efficacy against severe malaria in children in Mozambique. Further evidence of its protective efficacy will be gained in a pivotal, multi-centre, phase III study. This paper describes the case definitions of severe malaria used in this study and the programme for standardized assessment of severe malaria according to the case definition. Methods Case definitions of severe malaria were developed from a literature review and a consensus meeting of expert consultants and the RTS, S Clinical Trial Partnership Committee, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Malaria Clinical Trials Alliance. The same groups, with input from an Independent Data Monitoring Committee, developed and implemented a programme for standardized data collection. The case definitions developed reflect the typical presentations of severe malaria in African hospitals. Markers of disease severity were chosen on the basis of their association with poor outcome, occurrence in a significant proportion of cases and on an ability to standardize their measurement across research centres. For the primary case definition, one or more clinical and/or laboratory markers of disease severity have to be present, four major co-morbidities (pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia or gastroenteritis with severe dehydration) are excluded, and a Plasmodium falciparum parasite density threshold is introduced, in order to maximize the specificity of the case definition. Secondary case definitions allow inclusion of co-morbidities and/or allow for the presence of parasitaemia at any density. The programmatic implementation of standardized case assessment included a clinical algorithm for evaluating seriously sick children, improvements to care delivery and a robust training and evaluation programme for clinicians. Conclusions The case definition developed for the pivotal phase III RTS, S vaccine study is consistent with WHO recommendations, is locally applicable and appropriately balances sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of severe malaria. Processes set up to standardize severe malaria data collection will allow robust assessment of the efficacy of the RTS, S vaccine against severe malaria, strengthen local capacity and benefit patient care for subjects in the trial. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00866619
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Janka JJ, Koita OA, Traoré B, Traoré JM, Mzayek F, Sachdev V, Wang X, Sanogo K, Sangaré L, Mendelsohn L, Masur H, Kato GJ, Gladwin MT, Krogstad DJ. Increased pulmonary pressures and myocardial wall stress in children with severe malaria. J Infect Dis 2010; 202:791-800. [PMID: 20662718 DOI: 10.1086/655225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic intravascular hemolysis leads to nitric oxide (NO) depletion and pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease. To test whether this pathophysiology occurs in malaria, we examined in Mali 53 children who were admitted to the hospital with severe malaria (excluding cerebral malaria) and 31 age-matched controls. METHODS Severity of hemolysis was assessed from plasma levels of free hemoglobin and arginase-1. NO metabolism was assessed by whole-blood nitrite levels and plasma NO consumption. Effects on the cardiovascular system and endothelial function were assessed by using echocardiography to measure peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity and by evaluating plasma levels of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. RESULTS Children with severe malaria had higher plasma levels of hemoglobin and arginase-1, reduced whole-blood levels of nitrite, and increased NO consumption relative to controls. They also had increased pulmonary arterial pressures (P< .05) with elevated levels of NT-proBNP and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (P< .001). CONCLUSION Children with severe malaria have increased pulmonary pressures and myocardial wall stress. These complications are consistent with NO depletion from intravascular hemolysis, and they indicate that the pathophysiologic cascade from intravascular hemolysis to NO depletion and its cardiopulmonary effects is activated in children with severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline J Janka
- Clinical Center (Critical Care Medicine Department) and Pulmonary and Vascular Medicine and Translational Medicine Branches, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Phase II trial on the use of Dextran 70 or starch for supportive therapy in Kenyan children with severe malaria*. Crit Care Med 2010; 38:1630-6. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3181e81165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Muchohi SN, Kokwaro GO, Ogutu BR, Edwards G, Ward SA, Newton CRJC. Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of midazolam in children with severe malaria and convulsions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008; 66:529-38. [PMID: 18662297 PMCID: PMC2561115 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2008.03239.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and buccal midazolam (MDZ) in children with severe falciparum malaria and convulsions. METHODS Thirty-three children with severe malaria and convulsions lasting ≥5 min were given a single dose of MDZ (0.3 mg kg−1) IV (n = 13), IM (n = 12) or via the buccal route (n = 8). Blood samples were collected over 6 h post-dose for determination of plasma MDZ and 1′-hydroxymidazolam concentrations. Plasma concentration–time data were fitted using pharmacokinetic models. RESULTS Median (range) MDZ Cmax of 481 (258–616), 253 (96–696) and 186 (64–394) ng ml−1 were attained within a median (range) tmax of 10 (5–15), 15 (5–60) and 10 (5–40) min, following IV, IM and buccal administration, respectively. Mean (95% confidence interval) of the pharmacokinetic parameters were: AUC(0,∞) 596 (327, 865), 608 (353, 864) and 518 (294, 741) ng ml−1 h; Vd 0.85 l kg−1; clearance 14.4 ml min−1 kg−1, elimination half-life 1.22 (0.65, 1.8) h, respectively. A single dose of MDZ terminated convulsions in all (100%), 9/12 (75%) and 5/8 (63%) children following IV, IM and buccal administration. Four children (one in the IV, one in the IM and two in the buccal groups) had respiratory depression. CONCLUSIONS Administration of MDZ at the currently recommended dose resulted in rapid achievement of therapeutic MDZ concentrations. Although IM and buccal administration of MDZ may be more practical in peripheral healthcare facilities, the efficacy appears to be poorer at the dose used, and a different dosage regimen might improve the efficacy. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Midazolam (MDZ), a water-soluble benzodiazepine, can be administered via several routes, including intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM) and buccal routes to terminate convulsions. It may be a suitable alternative to diazepam to stop convulsions in children with severe malaria, especially at peripheral healthcare facilities. The pharmacokinetics of MDZ have not been described in African children, in whom factors such as the aetiology and nutritional status may influence the pharmacokinetics.
WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Administration of MDZ (IV, IM, or buccal) at the currently recommended dose (0.3 mg kg−1) resulted in rapid achievement of median maximum plasma concentrations of MDZ within the range 64–616 ng ml−1, with few clinically significant cardio-respiratory effects. A single dose of MDZ rapidly terminated (within 10 min) seizures in all (100%), 9/12 (75%) and 5/8 (63%) children following IV, IM and buccal administration, respectively. Although IM and buccal MDZ may be the preferred treatment for children in the pre-hospital settings the efficacy appears to be poorer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Muchohi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), PO Box 230, 80108-Kilifi, Kenya.
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Obonyo CO, Vulule J, Akhwale WS, Grobbee DE. In-Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Due to Severe Malarial Anemia in Western Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007. [DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.77.6.suppl.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles O. Obonyo
- Centre for Vector Biology & Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Division of Malaria Control, Kenyan Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Vulule
- Centre for Vector Biology & Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Division of Malaria Control, Kenyan Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Willis S. Akhwale
- Centre for Vector Biology & Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Division of Malaria Control, Kenyan Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Centre for Vector Biology & Control Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Division of Malaria Control, Kenyan Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
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Schofield L. Intravascular infiltrates and organ-specific inflammation in malaria pathogenesis. Immunol Cell Biol 2007; 85:130-7. [PMID: 17344907 DOI: 10.1038/sj.icb.7100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Malaria infects 5-10% of humanity and causes around two million deaths annually, mostly in children. The disease is of significant interest to immunologists, as acquired host immunity can limit the clinical impact of infection and partially reduces parasite replication; however, immunological reactions also contribute significantly to pathogenesis and fatalities. This review addresses the view that immunopathology in severe malaria arises predominantly from intravascular lesions resulting from a pathogen-initiated cascade of activated immune effector and regulatory cells infiltrating the vascular beds of diverse target organs, including bone marrow, spleen, brain, placenta and lungs. The main feature distinguishing these processes from classical cellular inflammation is the absence of extravasation, resulting from the intravascular location of the pathogen. Clinical and epidemiological observations combined with experimental infections in animal models suggest that parasite 'molecular patterns' or toxins cause cytokine and chemokine enhancement of infiltrates, composed of macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, gamma/delta T cells and both CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector T cells, leading to local vascular and organ derangement. Diverse pattern recognition and NK receptors crucially regulate these responding cell populations. Thus, innate immune mechanisms lie at the heart of this massive global public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Schofield
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Medana IM, Idro R, Newton CRJC. Axonal and astrocyte injury markers in the cerebrospinal fluid of Kenyan children with severe malaria. J Neurol Sci 2007; 258:93-8. [PMID: 17459417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Revised: 03/03/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A retrospective study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of markers of brain parenchymal damage was conducted in Kenyan children with severe falciparum malaria. Two markers were analysed by immunoassays: the microtubule-associated protein tau for degenerated axons and S-100B for astrocytes. The level of tau proteins in the CSF was significantly elevated in children with cerebral malaria compared with either malaria with prostration or malaria with seizures but normal consciousness (p<0.001). Elevated tau was also found to be associated with impaired delivery of oxygen (severe anaemia), severe metabolic acidosis manifesting as respiratory distress (increased respiratory rate and deep acidotic breathing) and at higher parasite densities. Elevated S-100B in children was associated with an increased risk of repeated seizures. This study provides evidence that axonal injury is associated with malaria coma and identifies the potential role of severe anaemia, acidosis and hyperparasitaemia to causing brain parenchymal damage in children with malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle M Medana
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Academic block, level 4, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.
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Bell DJ, Molyneux ME. Treatment of childhood Plasmodium falciparum malaria: current challenges. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2007; 5:141-52. [PMID: 17266461 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.1.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in tropical countries. Infection with Plasmodium falciparum may be asymptomatic, cause an uncomplicated febrile illness or give rise to severe disease complicated by coma, acidosis or severe anemia. Treatment of the febrile illness with two drugs--preferably in the form of an artemisinin-containing combination therapy--is now widely recommended, both for greater efficacy and in order to delay the evolution of drug resistance. The clinical picture of severe malaria differs according to the age and immune status of the individual; treatment requires a range of supportive measures, as well as an efficacious antimalarial drug. Insecticide-treated bednets and presumptive treatment programs are increasingly deployed in malaria control programs, while vaccines are showing promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Bell
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Program, and Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Martini J, Gramaglia I, Intaglietta M, van der Heyde HC. Impairment of functional capillary density but not oxygen delivery in the hamster window chamber during severe experimental malaria. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:505-17. [PMID: 17255319 PMCID: PMC1851866 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Microcirculatory changes and tissue oxygenation were investigated during Plasmodium berghei-induced severe malaria in the hamster window chamber model, which allows chronic, noninvasive investigation of the microvasculature in an awake animal. The main finding was that functional capillary density, a parameter reflecting tissue viability independent of tissue oxygenation, was reduced early during the course of disease and continued to decline to approximately 20% of baseline of uninfected controls on day 10 after infection. Parasitized red blood cells and leukocytes adhered to arterioles and venules but did not affect overall blood flow, and there was little evidence of complete obstruction of blood flow. According to the sequestration hypothesis, obstruction of blood flow by adherent parasitized erythrocytes is the cause of tissue hypoxia and, eventually, cell death in severe malaria. Tissue oxygen tensions were lower on day 10 of infection when the animals were moribund compared with uninfected controls, but this level was markedly higher than the lethal threshold. No necrotic cells labeled with propidium iodide were detected in moribund animals on day 10 after infection. We therefore conclude that loss of functional capillaries rather than tissue hypoxia is a major lethal event in severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Martini
- University of California-San Diego, Department of Bioengineering, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA.
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Maitland K, Akech S, Gwer S, Idro R, Fegan G, Eziefula AC, Levin M, Newton CRJC. Phase III trials required to resolve clinical equipoise over optimal fluid management in children with severe malaria. PLOS CLINICAL TRIALS 2007; 2:e2. [PMID: 17369876 PMCID: PMC1851731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pctr.0020002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Campbell ML. Fear and pulmonary stress behaviors to an asphyxial threat across cognitive states. Res Nurs Health 2007; 30:572-83. [DOI: 10.1002/nur.20212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Evans JA, May J, Ansong D, Antwi S, Asafo-Adjei E, Nguah SB, Osei-Kwakye K, Akoto AOY, Ofori AO, Sambian D, Sylverken J, Busch W, Timmann C, Agbenyega T, Horstmann RD. Capillary refill time as an independent prognostic indicator in severe and complicated malaria. J Pediatr 2006; 149:676-81. [PMID: 17095342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2006.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Revised: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To improve algorithms for the identification of children at risk of dying of malaria in endemic areas. STUDY DESIGN In a prospective study of 2446 children with severe and complicated malaria admitted to a tertiary referral center in Ghana, West Africa, 12 clinical and laboratory signs were evaluated as indicators of death. RESULTS A prolonged (> 2 seconds) capillary refill time (pCRT) was identified as an independent prognostic indicator of death along with acidosis, coma, and respiratory distress. Among the clinical signs, pCRT increased the risk of dying from 4-fold to 11-fold when present in addition to coma and respiratory distress. CONCLUSIONS The recognition of pCRT as an independent indicator of death justifies its inclusion as a defining criterion of severe and complicated malaria and improves the use of clinical examinations in the triage of patients with malaria. As pCRT has been shown to reflect circulatory disturbances in children, it should be included in upcoming studies as a possible sign to indicate the need for intravenous fluid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Evans
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana.
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Al-Taiar A, Jaffar S, Assabri A, Al-Habori M, Azazy A, Al-Mahdi N, Ameen K, Greenwood BM, Whitty CJM. Severe malaria in children in Yemen: two site observational study. BMJ 2006; 333:827. [PMID: 17053235 PMCID: PMC1618439 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38959.368819.be] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the burden of malaria on health services, describe the clinical presentation of severe malaria in children, and identify factors associated with mortality by means of a prospective observational study. SETTING Two public hospitals in Taiz (mountain hinterland) and Hodeidah (coastal plain), Yemen. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 6 months to 10 years. RESULTS Of 12,301 paediatric admissions, 2071 (17%) were for suspected severe malaria. The proportion of such admissions varied according to the season (from 1% to 40%). Falciparum malaria was confirmed in 1332 children; 808 had severe disease as defined by the World Health Organization. Main presentations were respiratory distress (322/808, 40%), severe anaemia (291/800, 37%), and cerebral malaria (60/808, 8%). Twenty two of 26 children who died had a neurological presentation. No deaths occurred in children with severe anaemia but no other signs of severity. In multivariate analysis, a Blantyre coma score < or = 2, history of fits, female sex, and hyperlactataemia predicted mortality; severe anaemia, respiratory distress, and hyperparasitaemia were not significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Severe malaria puts a high burden on health services in Yemen. Although presentation is similar to African series, some important differences exist. Case fatality is higher in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Taiar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, PO Box 13078, Sana'a, Yemen.
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Clark IA, Budd AC, Alleva LM, Cowden WB. Human malarial disease: a consequence of inflammatory cytokine release. Malar J 2006; 5:85. [PMID: 17029647 PMCID: PMC1629020 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-5-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/10/2006] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria causes an acute systemic human disease that bears many similarities, both clinically and mechanistically, to those caused by bacteria, rickettsia, and viruses. Over the past few decades, a literature has emerged that argues for most of the pathology seen in all of these infectious diseases being explained by activation of the inflammatory system, with the balance between the pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines being tipped towards the onset of systemic inflammation. Although not often expressed in energy terms, there is, when reduced to biochemical essentials, wide agreement that infection with falciparum malaria is often fatal because mitochondria are unable to generate enough ATP to maintain normal cellular function. Most, however, would contend that this largely occurs because sequestered parasitized red cells prevent sufficient oxygen getting to where it is needed. This review considers the evidence that an equally or more important way ATP deficiency arises in malaria, as well as these other infectious diseases, is an inability of mitochondria, through the effects of inflammatory cytokines on their function, to utilise available oxygen. This activity of these cytokines, plus their capacity to control the pathways through which oxygen supply to mitochondria are restricted (particularly through directing sequestration and driving anaemia), combine to make falciparum malaria primarily an inflammatory cytokine-driven disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Clark
- School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Alison C Budd
- School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Lisa M Alleva
- School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - William B Cowden
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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Sasi P, English M, Berkley J, Lowe B, Shebe M, Mwakesi R, Kokwaro G. Characterisation of metabolic acidosis in Kenyan children admitted to hospital for acute non-surgical conditions. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2006; 100:401-9. [PMID: 16257025 PMCID: PMC2719867 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2004] [Revised: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 07/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic acidosis is associated with most severe malaria deaths in African children, and most deaths occur before maximum antimalarial action is achieved. Thus, specific acidosis treatment may reduce mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood and no specific interventions have been developed. A detailed characterisation of this acidosis is critical in treatment development. We used the traditional and Stewart's approach to characterise acidosis in consecutive paediatric admissions for malaria and other acute non-surgical conditions to Kilifi District Hospital in Kenya. The overall acidosis prevalence was 21%. Gastroenteritis had the highest prevalence (61%). Both the mean albumin-corrected anion gap and the strong ion gap were high (>13 mmol/l and >0 mmol/l, respectively) in malaria, gastroenteritis, lower respiratory tract infection and malnutrition. Presence of salicylate in plasma was not associated with acidosis but was associated with signs of severe illness (odds ratio 2.11, 95% CI 1.1-4.2). In malaria, mean (95% CI) strong ion gap was 15 (14-7) mmol/l, and lactate, creatinine and inorganic phosphorous explained only approximately 40% of the variability in base excess (adjusted R2 = 0.397). Acidosis may be more common than previously recognised amongst paediatric admissions in Africa and is characterised by the presence of currently unidentified strong anions. In malaria, lactate and ketones, but not salicylate, are associated with acidosis. However, unidentified anions may be more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sasi
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Center for Geographic Medicine Research--Coast, P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya.
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Newton CRJC, Valim C, Krishna S, Wypij D, Olola C, Agbenyega T, Taylor TE. The prognostic value of measures of acid/base balance in pediatric falciparum malaria, compared with other clinical and laboratory parameters. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 41:948-57. [PMID: 16142658 PMCID: PMC1388262 DOI: 10.1086/432941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2005] [Accepted: 05/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying severe, life-threatening falciparum malaria in African children allows for the prompt institution of appropriate management. In the past 2 decades, hyperlactatemia and acidosis have been identified as being associated with mortality in patients with severe malaria, but measurement of blood lactate concentration and base excess is expensive and technically demanding. In this large, prospective study, we examined the prognostic value of acidosis and hyperlactatemia and compared these markers to clinically assessed variables. METHODS We examined several clinical and laboratory measurements as prognostic markers of mortality in 14,605 parasitemic children admitted to 3 hospitals in Africa. Whole-blood lactate concentration and acid/base status were used to identify subjects who had hyperlactatemia and acidosis. RESULTS Using cut-points established by sensitivity and specificity curves, the sensitivities and positive predictive values for both lactate concentration and base excess were low, the specificities were moderate, and the negative predictive values were high (>97%). No reliable clinical surrogates for hyperlactatemia or acidosis were identified. Addition of lactate concentration and base excess to predictive models with previously identified clinical features (Blantyre Coma Score, deep breathing, prostration, and weight-for-age Z score) and 1 laboratory measure (blood glucose level) did not appreciably improve models to predict mortality. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of lactate concentration and acid/base balance are expensive to perform, and performance of the latter can be problematic. Severe falciparum malaria may be readily recognized in children at admission to hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa with use of simple, inexpensive means and does not require knowledge of lactate concentration and base excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R J C Newton
- Institute of Child Health, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
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Maitland K, Nadel S, Pollard AJ, Williams TN, Newton CRJC, Levin M. Management of severe malaria in children: proposed guidelines for the United Kingdom. BMJ 2005; 331:337-43. [PMID: 16081449 PMCID: PMC1183138 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.331.7512.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Maitland
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya.
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Abstract
Hundreds of millions of people suffer from malaria, and more than a million children die of malaria each year. Malaria typically presents with fever and headache, but the presentation often is nonspecific. The diagnosis should be based on blood tests, and thick and thin smears are the standard means of identifying parasites. In some areas, chloroquine still is effective as treatment, but other medications are needed in most parts of the world. Patients with severe disease (altered consciousness, marked anemia, and/or respiratory distress) should begin therapy parenterally. Control measures depend on the use of insecticide-treated bednets, early identification and treatment of symptomatic individuals, and intermittent preventive therapy. Progress continues toward the development of a useful vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P Summer
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
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50
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Good MF, Xu H, Wykes M, Engwerda CR. DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION OF CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE RESPONSES TO THE BLOOD STAGES OF MALARIA: Implications for Vaccine Research. Annu Rev Immunol 2005; 23:69-99. [PMID: 15771566 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.immunol.23.021704.115638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The immune response to the malaria parasite is complex and poorly understood. Although antibodies and T cells can control parasite growth in model systems, natural immunity to malaria in regions of high endemicity takes several years to develop. Variation and polymorphism of antibody target antigens are known to impede immune responses, but these factors alone cannot account for the slow acquisition of immunity. In human and animal model systems, cell-mediated responses can control parasite growth effectively, but such responses are regulated by parasite load via direct effects on dendritic cells and possibly on T and B cells as well. Furthermore, high parasite load is associated with pathology, and cell-mediated responses may also harm the host. Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, anemia, weight loss, and respiratory distress in malaria. Immunity without pathology requires rapid parasite clearance, effective regulation of the inflammatory anti-parasite effects of cellular responses, and the eventual development of a repertoire of antibodies effective against multiple strains. Data suggest that this may be hastened by exposure to malaria antigens in low dose, leading to augmented cellular immunity and rapid parasite clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Good
- The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, 4029, Australia.
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