Severity of imported falciparum malaria: effect of taking antimalarial prophylaxis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis and other variables on the severity of falciparum malaria.


METHODS
Review of consecutive malaria cases between 1987 and 1991.


METHODS
The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London.


METHODS
250 consecutive cases of mild and 51 consecutive cases of severe falciparum malaria.


RESULTS
Prophylaxis was taken in 52.4% (131/250) of the cases of mild malaria and 21.6% (11/51) of cases of severe malaria. Severe malaria was more common in white patients than in those of African origin and was also seen more commonly in people returning from central, southern, and east Africa than in those returning from west Africa. Patients with severe malaria presented sooner than patients with mild malaria.


CONCLUSIONS
Prior chemoprophylaxis led to a reduction in the severity of falciparum malaria. Ethnic origin, time to presentation, and sex were also associated with the severity of malaria.
Lewis
S J
SJ
Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London.
Davidson
R N
RN
Ross
E J
EJ
Hall
A P
AP
D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000208:ethnology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D014195:Travel
D000962:Antimalarials