Malaria N° 7 - Subject N° 2

THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING IN CEREBRAL MALARIA IN CHILDREN
J. Andoh, A.C. Boni, B.M. Niangue, M. Orega, K.J. Plo, T.A. M’Bengue, S. Oulai, R. Mshana, G. Roellents, P. Margaret & D. Bawa

SUMMARY
The clinical appearance and the complications resulting from severe malaria have been well described. The variations however in blood sugar, as a major complication, are less well known and often overshadowed in the management of patients suffering from this disorder. But its impact, particularly that of hypoglycaemia, is important in relation to mortality.

A few significant figures will illustrate this.

TAYLOR et al from MALAWI found that 20% of children suffering from severe malaria were hypoglycaemic prior to treatment, 39% of these children died and 42% of survivors developed neurological sequellae versus 4% and 7% respectively in normoglycaemic children.
WHITE et al from The GAMBIA, found that 32% of children suffering from malaria were also hypoglycaemic, 33% died versus 3% of normoglycaemic children.

To our knowledge, there are no similar studies in the COTE D’IVOIRE. Hence our interest in undertaking one. Our objectives were as follows:
1/ To discover the clinical manifestations associated with it.
2/ To describe the clinical manifestations associated with it.
3/ To determine its possible effect on the prognosis.
4/ To suggest a case and prevention management strategy to reduce mortality.