A study of the clinical profile and management of malaria in pediatric age group in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore

ObjectiveTo study the clinical profile and management of malaria in the paediatric age group.MethodsThis retrospective study was done at AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore in Karnataka, India. The prescriptions case records of patients diagnosed with malaria, treated as inpatients in the Department of Paediatrics, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2010 to July 2012 were collected. The data (demographic profile, clinical features, investigation, treatment and complications) from all the case records were filled up in predesigned proforma and analysed statistically.ResultsA total of 74 patients were diagnosed and treated for malaria. Males (58.1%) were more affected than females (41.9%). The patients in the age group of 0–5 years (42%) were more affected. The incidence of malaria increased from the month of June onwards coinciding with the monsoon season. Plasmodium vivax was the major parasite type (56.8%), followed by mixed malarial infection(37.9%) and Plasmodium falciparum (5.4%). Main presenting symptoms were fever (100%), chills & rigors (90.5%), vomiting (52.7%) and headache (40.5%). Vomiting was the main drug adverse effect seen.ConclusionMalaria is a major health concern in this region, particularly more in rainy season. It is found that compared to the older children, the 0–5 years age group was more affected. Plasmodium vivax was the major parasite type causing malaria. Implementation of national drug policy on malaria has certainly decreased the morbidity and mortality in this region.