Abstract :
Complicated malaria due to P. vivax has rarely been reported before 2000 AD. No such cases were reported even in patients from endemic areas. Recognition of shock as a manifestation of Plasmodium vivax infection was only realized when reports started coming from medical and research institutions like NIMR etc.
Current series of 5 children aged 8 – 12 years with severe vivax malaria presented with shock. Thrombocytopenia was detected in all cases. There were no bleed from any site. Diagnosis of P.vivax was made by blood smear and rapid diagnostic tests. All patients did not responded to initial fluid boluses but improved on steroid and antimalarial therapy (Artesunate combination therapy).
Keyword :
P. vivax malaria, shock in children, steroid use in malaria.