RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AS A MANIFESTATION OF SEVERE MALARIA IN CHILDREN AGED 1-5 YEARS SEEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH), BENIN CITY

RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AS A MANIFESTATION OF SEVERE MALARIA IN CHILDREN AGED 1-5 YEARS SEEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH), BENIN CITY

Abstract

Children suffer the severest forms of malaria the most. Fever and pallor are common
features striking the attending Physician. Renal complications which can be life threatening
when they occur, even in centers that have facilities for dialysis, may be easily overlooked.
To evaluate the extent of renal involvement, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 200
children aged 1-5years(12 to 60months), seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital with
severe malaria, over a period of 8 months, between September 2012, and May 2013. Urinalysis,
serum bilirubin, electrolyte, urea and creatinine, random blood sugar, packed cell volume and
blood film for malaria parasites were done for the children.
The prevalence of proteinuria(17.5%) was more than that of hematuria(2.0%). Glomeular
filteration rate was abnormal in 68.0% of the children and 2.5% had acute renal failure. Coma,
prostration, oliguria, haemoglobinuria, pallor and jaundice were significantly associated with
development of renal function impairment occurring in this age group with severe malaria.
Although the prevalence of acute renal failure is low, its possibility should be entertained
in children with severe malaria and effort should be made to prevent it.

RENAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AS A MANIFESTATION OF SEVERE MALARIA IN CHILDREN AGED 1-5 YEARS SEEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UBTH), BENIN CITY