Partial exchange transfusion in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria.
BACKGROUND
Exchange transfusion as an adjunct to the treatment of severe falciparum malaria has been widely recommended, although there is no well-designed clinical trial to prove its efficacy. The amount of compatible blood required for total exchange is rarely available in areas endemic for malaria and the risks of the procedure including transfusion-related infections are high.


METHODS
Partial transfusion with four units of blood was given to a patient with severe falciparum malaria (80% parasitaemia) whose condition deteriorated on conventional treatment with intravenous quinine.


RESULTS
This brought about prompt clinical improvement and reduction in parasitaemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Partial transfusion with one or two litres of blood is a promising and viable alternative to total exchange transfusion.
Aquinas
S
S
Department of Medicine, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore.
Ross
C
C
Vincent
J
J
Sridhar
C B
CB
D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001810:Blood Volume; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011803:Quinine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000962:Antimalarials; D011803:Quinine