CLINICAL AND LABORATORY CORRELATES OF THE OUTCOME OF CEREBRAL MALARIA IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study describes the socio-demographic profile of cerebral malaria (CM) patients and identifies the clinical and laboratory factors which correlate with mortality from this condition. Records of 97 CM cases admitted at the Davao Regional Hospital, Philippines from 1990 to 1995 were reviewed. Information on socio-demographic factors, clinical signs and symptoms, physical examination and laboratory findings and medicines given during hospitalization were obtained. Associations of these variables with mortality were examined by generating two-way tables for qualitative variables and computing descriptive statistics for quantitative variables. Results showed that CM was more common among males and young adults who comprise the economically productive age group (21-40 years) and who are engaged in slash and burn agriculture. Using bivariate analysis, factors that correlated with mortality included age, residence, back/abdominal pain, fever, coma, dyspnea, diastolic blood pressure (BP), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, trophozoite count and quinine infusion. Logistic regression analysis showed that only back/abdominal pain, coma, dyspnea, diastolic BP and trophozoite count remained statistically significant after simultaneously controlling for confounding. These results can contribute to the proper assessment and improvement in the clinical management of CM.