Rabi M., 22

Rabi is a petty trader woman who lives with her husband, a farmer, and their two children in a single-bedroom mud house in Amshi. Together, they earn a total of 9000 Naira , which is barely enough to meet their basic needs and is completely insufficient to cover the high costs of emergency hospital care. The medical report explicitly states that the family was unable to settle the medical bill. ​Rabi was brought to Ayaji hospital with High-grade fever and headache lasting for one week, accompanied by chills and rigors, hand and foot stiffness A concerning symptom that had persisted for 2 hours, dizziness, and lasting for three days. She initially sought help at local patent medicine stores, but the antimalarials and antibiotics she received there failed to improve her condition. ​Clinical Findings & Diagnosis ​Upon hospital examination, Rabi was found to be pale with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. Laboratory tests confirmed: ​MP +++: A high density of malaria parasites in her blood. ​Diagnosis: Doctors officially classified her condition as Severe Malaria in pregnancy with hypoglycemia

Treatment and Recovery Upon admission, the 22-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with Severe Malaria in Pregnancy, a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical intervention to protect both the mother and the unborn child. Treatment was initiated immediately with intravenous Artesunate administered according to standard treatment protocols for severe malaria. She also received Paracetamol to control fever, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, and Folic Acid and Hematinics to support maternal health and prevent anemia. Close monitoring of her vital signs, fetal wellbeing, and blood glucose levels was carried out throughout her admission. Additional supportive medications were provided as needed to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Recovery Initial Stabilization (Days 1–2): Within the first 48 hours of treatment, her fever gradually subsided, body weakness improved, and she became more comfortable. Laboratory parameters also showed signs of improvement. Discharge and Follow-Up: After completing treatment and achieving clinical stability, she was discharged in good condition with oral medications, antenatal follow-up appointments, and counseling on malaria prevention during pregnancy. Both mother and baby had a favorable prognosis, and she was advised to continue routine antenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Rabi presented with a history of high-grade fever, generalized weakness, dizziness, and recent episodes of altered consciousness. Based on clinical evaluation and laboratory findings, this is a case of severe malaria in pregnancy complicated by hypoglycemia. This condition is life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus and requires urgent management. The patient’s presentation with hypoglycemia further increases the risk of cerebral complications, seizures, and maternal mortality. Severe malaria with hypoglycemia has high maternal and fetal mortality if not promptly recognized. Early intervention with IV artesunate and correction of hypoglycemia improves survival.