Acute renal failure associated with malaria in children

Acute renal failure is one of the serious complications of malaria with untoward consequences including increased risk of mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence, clinical features, course, outcome, and predictors of mortality of acute renal failure (ARF) in children with malaria in the pediatric general wards and intensive care unit of our medical center from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. Data of all children from 1 month to 12 years of age with confirmed malaria either on peripheral smear and / or OptiMal test were reviewed. Those suffering from ARF were selected for further study. Twelve (eight Plasmodium falciparum ; three Plasmodium vivax, and one mixed infection) out of 227 (5 %) cases of confirmed malaria had ARF. In addition to ARF, most of the patients had at least one other manifestation of severe malaria. Nine (75 %) patients recovered completely, while 3 (25 %) died. Presence of associated cerebral malaria, hyperbilirubinemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) was a poor prognostic factor and predictor of mortality. In conclusion, ARF can complicate both P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria. Malarial ARF as an isolated complication has a good prognosis. The presence of multiorgan involvement and delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality.