Pediatric malaria in the developing world.
Hundreds of millions of people suffer from malaria, and more than a million children die of malaria each year. Malaria typically presents with fever and headache, but the presentation often is nonspecific. The diagnosis should be based on blood tests, and thick and thin smears are the standard means of identifying parasites. In some areas, chloroquine still is effective as treatment, but other medications are needed in most parts of the world. Patients with severe disease (altered consciousness, marked anemia, and/or respiratory distress) should begin therapy parenterally. Control measures depend on the use of insecticide-treated bednets, early identification and treatment of symptomatic individuals, and intermittent preventive therapy. Progress continues toward the development of a useful vaccine.
Summer
Andrea P
AP
Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Stauffer
William M
WM
Fischer
Philip R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005544:Forecasting; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009032:Mosquito Control; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014195:Travel
D000962:Antimalarials