Correlation of hepatorenal dysfunction in pediatric malaria

BACKGROUND: Malaria is the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world. This study aims to assess the correlation of hepatorenal dysfunction in malaria patients in pediatric age group. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted on patients of malaria admitted in the Department of Paediatrics, PBM hospital, Bikaner (Rajasthan), during resurgence of various outbreaks of malaria in the year 2011 and 2012. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by examination of thick and thin smear/optimal test; malarial hepatic and renal patients were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction in malaria was 5–10 years and preponderance of males. Association between hepatic and renal dysfunction was significant as 9 (40.9%) in 22 patients with serum bilirubin >3 mg/dl had renal failure in Plasmodium falciparum (PF) and 5 (71.43%) out of 7 patients in mixed (Plasmodium vivax [PV] and PF) patients. This association was not significant in PV as 6 (10.52%) out of 57 patient with serum bilirubin >3 mg/dl had renal failure. CONCLUSION: The specific reason for presenting our observation is to develop awareness regarding the early complications of malaria and to prevent them prompt action can be taken.