Adam H., 9

Adam is a 9-year-old brilliant boy whom his father was a scholar he memories 1/3 of the holy book Qur'an and love to have western education but his family can't afford to sponsor him due to their vulnerability. Adam was rush to Emergency in Ayaji with the following problems Diarrhea, headache as a result of severe malaria which cause further contributing to fluid loss which needs and medical intervention. On presentation at our hospital, he was evaluated and diagnosed with Severe Malaria.

Adam was brought to Ayaji hospital with a history of high fever, headaches, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. His parents also noted a decreased appetite and irritability, which progressed to lethargy and a brief seizure. A physical examination revealed an enlarged spleen and a blood smear confirmed the diagnosis of severe malaria. Thank you Helpster charity for the support, the patient was admitted and received free medical intervention and prescribed with some * IV Artesunate * IV Paracetamol * IV Metronidazole * Syrup Fammot (Artmether) * Syrup Metronidazole The patient has since made a full recovery, with his fever and other symptoms subsiding, and he is now back to his normal activities, feeling healthy and energetic his mother give an prayer to Helpstercharity to prosper.

The doctor's opinion is that malaria is endemic here and with severe malaria the risk to life is higher due to complications of the infection especially if caused by plasmodium falciparum. Diagnostic Criteria:Diagnosis of severe malaria typically involves demonstrating the presence of malaria parasites in the blood, usually through microscopy (thick and thin smears). The severity is then determined by the presence of any of the aforementioned clinical or laboratory manifestations. If severe malaria is strongly suspected but lab diagnosis is not immediately available, treatment should be initiated while awaiting confirmation. Treatment of Severe Malaria: Severe malaria is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular) antimalarial drugs. The drug of choice for severe malaria is intravenous (IV) artesunate. If IV artesunate is not available, intramuscular (IM) artesunate or IV quinine are acceptable alternatives. * Artesunate regimen: Typically, 2.4 mg/kg is given intravenously at 0, 12, and 24 hours, and then daily thereafter. * After initial parenteral treatment: Once the patient can tolerate oral medication (typically after a minimum of 24 hours of parenteral therapy), a full course of an oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) or other appropriate oral antimalarial should be completed. Supportive care is crucial and may include: * Fluid management * Management of seizures * Correction of electrolyte imbalances and acidosis * Blood transfusions for severe anemia * Dialysis for kidney failure * Monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, and respiratory function. Recovery Time: Recovery time for severe malaria varies depending on the parasite species, the severity of the infection, and how early treatment was initiated. While most individuals may start feeling better within 3 to 5 days of starting medication, complete recovery can take up to two weeks or longer. In cases with complications like cerebral malaria, there may be lingering neurological deficits, and monitoring for potential long-term issues like delayed hemolytic anemia (especially after IV artesunate) is important. Complications of Severe Malaria: If left untreated or inadequately treated, severe malaria can lead to: * Permanent brain damage (especially in cerebral malaria) * Blindness or deafness (especially in children) * Organ failure (kidney, liver, lung) * Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) * Metabolic acidosis * Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) * Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) * Splenic rupture * Death Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to severe malaria and its complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.