The pattern of neurological sequelae of childhood cerebral malaria among survivors in Calabar, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern and long term outcome of neurological complications following cerebral malaria (CM) in a group of Nigerian children treated in Calabar.


METHODS
Prospective, follow up study.


METHODS
Children's emergency room (CHER) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) located in a malaria-holoendemic rainforest belt of south eastern Nigeria.


METHODS
Survivors among 45 children with CM treated between February and December, 1991. All received intravenous quinine infusion and supportive care. Survivors (39) were followed up until detected neurological sequelae had resolved.


RESULTS
Case fatality rate was 13.3%, 95% CI. Eleven (28.2%) of the survivors developed neurological sequelae. Prolonged coma, focal seizures and abnormal posturing (decorticate/decerebrate) were associated with increased risk of sequelae. Commonest neurological sequelae were cortical blindness (3/11), speech disorders (3/11: aphasia or echolalia) and motor abnormalities (5/11: dyskinesia/hemiplegia). Eight cases recovered completely from the neurological deficits within a mean period of three (1.3) weeks. One persisted with hyperactivity and attention deficit, had a remarkable improvement at the sixth month of follow up but developed secondary dyslexia and other learning disabilities by the third year of follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
Although short lived, neurological sequelae of CM appear common among these Nigerian children. This problem could significantly add to the burden of childhood disability in Nigeria. Early diagnosis, use of appropriate drugs and large scale malaria control programmes can prevent malady.
Meremikwu
M M
MM
Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Asindi
A A
AA
Ezedinachi
E
E
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000469:parasitology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016779:Malaria, Cerebral / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome