Severe Malaria with Acute Kidney Injury and Post-Dialysis Hypocalcaemia and Hypertension: A Case Report of a Young Patient Managed in a Resource Limited Setting

Abstract

Malaria is a leading cause of paediatric morbidity and mortality in Africa. Plasmodium falciparum species is commonly associated with severe complications of malaria including severe anaemia, prostration, altered consciousness, hypoglycaemia, pulmonary oedema, haemoglobinuria, and acute kidney injury (AKI). In patients with these complications, the cornerstone of treatment is prompt administration of antimalarials and the provision of appropriate supportive care. AKI is an established independent predictor for mortality in children with severe malaria. In patients with malaria-associated AKI, cautious fluid administration and renal replacement therapy could be lifesaving. In this case report, a 12-year-old patient was managed for severe malaria complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and post-dialysis hypocalcaemia and hypertension. malaria endemic zones. Among the parasites of the genus Plasmodium, (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi), P. falciparum is the most common species associated with complications such as severe anaemia, prostration, altered consciousness, hypoglycaemia, pulmonary oedema, haemoglobinuria [3], and acute kidney injury [4]. We report a case of an older paediatric patient presenting with severe malaria with acute kidney injury (AKI) and post-dialysis hypocalcemia and hypertension.