Volume :

3

Issue :

2

Abstract :

Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world which has made children frequent victims of its complications. In spite of measures taken to prevent and control malaria, its situation is getting worst globally, amounting to major mortality and morbidity. This work was intended to study the incidence of complicated malaria in children admitted in Sri Venkateswara Ram Narain Ruia Government General Hospital, Tirupati during the period of October 2010 to September 2011, to identify various clinical presentations of complicated malaria in children and to study the immediate outcome of complicated malaria in children who are admitted in our hospital. Falciparum malaria constituted the predominant type with 90% of all complicated cases. Severe malaria constitutes nearly half of total malaria cases admitted in our pediatric hospital. 1-5 years is the most common age group for both uncomplicated and complicated malaria cases indicating the endemicity. Mortality from complicated malaria is highest with cerebral malaria. Early identification and prompt treatment prevents most of deaths in children. Hyperparasitemia, malarial hepatitis and respiratory distress syndrome predict poor outcome. Stringent sanitary measures and vector control programmes are to be implemented in endemic areas in order to prevent the resurgence of malaria.