A study of serum calcium level in cases of malaria in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Malaria is a tropical disease caused by Plasmodium species, commonly P. falciparum and P. vivax. Carpopedal spasm has been noted in many patients presenting with malarial fever. Most of the patients are later found to have hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia associated with malaria can cause many clinical manifestations, including life threatening conditions such as arrhythmias, convulsions etc.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of hypocalcaemia in different types of malarial fever. 88 patients of malarial fever were studied. Patients were stratified according to the species of plasmodium and into complicated and uncomplicated malaria. Total serum calcium level and QTc interval were analysed in each patient. Data collected were analysed.Results: Prevalence of hypocalcaemia in malaria was found to be 54.45% in our study. Hypocalcaemia was more prevalent in complicated malaria than uncomplicated malaria. Complicated falciparum malaria showed highest prevalence of hypocalcaemia. Status of complexity of malaria was not found to be related to occurrence of hypocalcaemia in any types of malaria. Prevalence of QTc prolongation in malaria was found to be 48.46%. Prevalence of QTc prolongation was found to be more in complicated malaria than uncomplicated malaria. QTc prolongation was most prevalent in complicated falciparum malaria. 83.3% of those with QTc prolongation had hypocalcaemia.Conclusions: Hypocalcemia and QTc prolongation were more prevalent in complicated malaria than in uncomplicated malaria. Both Hypocalcaemia and QTc prolongation were most prevalent in complicated falciparum malaria.

Identification of Pathogens Potentially Associated with Non-Malarial Fever in Children: A Pilot Study in Peri-Urban Dakar, Senegal

ABSTRACTFever is one of the most common reasons for pediatric consultation in Africa. Malaria incidence has now dropped considerably, yet etiologies of non-malarial febrile diseases are poorly documented. This pilot study aimed to 1) identify pathogens potentially associated with non-malarial fever in children younger than 10 years in the suburbs of Dakar and 2) describe the epidemiological characteristics of these patients. During the study period, all eligible children (< 10 years of age, body temperature ≥ 38°C, negative result for the malaria rapid diagnostic test, living in Guediawaye/Pikine for the previous four calendar months, not receiving any anti-infectious treatment since the onset of fever, and with parent’s consent to participate) presenting to the health post in Medina Gounass located in Guediawaye on Mondays and Fridays were included. In total, 106 children participated in the study, and PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs, hemoculture, C-reactive protein, blood cell counts, and quantitative buffy coat from blood samples and coproculture from stool samples were performed. In 70 (66%) children, at least one pathogen was isolated. Viruses were identified in 55 children, most commonly enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses, and dengue virus was identified in three children. Only five children had bacterial infections, and 10 had bacterial and viral coinfections. Ninety-seven children (92%) received prescription for antibiotics. Many strains of bacteria were found to be resistant to several antibiotics. Despite limitations, this pilot study showed that pathogens potentially associated with non-malarial fever in children younger than 10 years near Dakar were predominantly viruses, most commonly upper respiratory infections, although bacteria accounted for a small proportion.

A REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF CALYCOPTERIS FLORIBUNDA ROXB. LAM

The medicinal plant Calycopteris floribunda Roxb. Lam. commonly known as “Ukshi” belongs to the family Combretaceae. Calycopteris floribunda is a large evergreen climbing shrub native of Bangladesh and India. It is widely distributed in the central and southern parts of India and also found in south-east Asian countries. The branches store abundant water for its own purpose as well to quench the thirst of the forest dwellers. Hence the forest habitants are referring this plant as a lifesaver. Calycopteris floribunda finds a place in traditional Asian medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, Folk and Unani. The anti-inflammatory flavonoid compound calycopterin is present in the leaves of the plant. In Ayurveda this plant is used to treat for leprosy, malarial fever, dysentery, ulcers, vomiting, wound healing and cytotoxic. It is hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral and used for numerous ailments. A review on the medicinal plant Calycopteris floribunda was done in the period from 1934 to 2020. Here, we are focusing on the isolation, phytochemical constitution and pharmacological potential of Calycopteris floribunda plant.

G. A. Soloviev. On the issue of malaria during pregnancy and after childbirth. (Medical Notes, 1894, No. 5)

According to the author's observations, attacks of malarial fever are accompanied by cramping uterine pains, in advanced cases fetal movements are also suspended.

Characterizing Pediatric Non–Malarial Fever and Identifying the At-Risk Child in Rural Malawi

Objective. To characterize children with non–malarial fever at risk of nonrecovery or worsening in rural Malawi. Methods. This is a subgroup analysis of patients ≤14 years of age from a prospective cohort study in non–malarial fever subjects (temperature ≥37.5°C, or fever within 48 hours, and malaria negative) in southern Malawi cared for at a mobile clinic during the 2016 dry (August to September) or wet (November to December) season. Data collection included chart review and questionnaires; 14-day follow-up was conducted. We conducted univariate descriptive statistics on cohort characteristics, bivariate analyses to examine associations between characteristics and outcomes, and multivariate logistic regressions to explore factors associated with nonrecovery. Results. A total of 2893 patients were screened, 401 were enrolled, 286 of these were children, and 280 children completed follow-up. Eighty-seven percent reported symptom resolution, 12.9% reported no improvement, and there were no deaths or hospitalizations. No improvement was associated with dry season presentation (42.6% vs 75.0%, P < .0003), >2 days of symptoms (51.6% vs 72.2%, P = .03), and food insecurity (62.3% vs 86.1%, P = .007). Dry season subjects had a 4.35 times greater likelihood of nonimprovement (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96-11.11). Household food insecurity and being >2 hours from a permanent clinic were associated with no improvement (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.61, 95% CI = 1.81-14.29; and AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.11-5.36, respectively). Conclusion. Outcomes were generally excellent in this rural, outpatient pediatric cohort, though risk factors for nonrecovery included food insecurity, access to a standing clinic, and seasonality. Ideally, this study will inform clinic- and policy-level changes aimed at ameliorating the modifiable risk factors in Malawi and throughout rural Africa.

Phytomedicinal Importance of Adhatoda zeylanica Medic

This paper highlights a brief description of Adhatoda zeylanica Medic (Acanthaceae) is provided along with its medicinal use to cure malarial fever.