Cerebrospinal fluid study in children with cerebral malaria at a tertiary care centre of South Rajasthan

摘要

Objective: To study the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in children with cerebral malaria.Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 39 cases of cerebral malaria admitted in pediatric department of tertiary care centre of South Rajasthan over a period of one year. Confirmation of diagnosis was done by demonstration of parasites in peripheral blood smear (thick and thin film). CSF pressure was recorded during lumbar puncture. Complete CSF examination (Cytology and Biochemical) was performed.Results: Out of total 39 patients, 26 (66.6%) were males and 13 (33.4%) females. Maximum numbers of patients (61.6%) were below the age of 6 years. Fever and altered sensorium was present in all cases. Maximum had high grade fever with chills and rigor. Convulsions were present in 66.7% of patients. Majority (27; 69.2%) of patients had increased CSF pressure; 17 (43.6%) patients had pressure between 16-20 cm of H2O and 10 (25.6%) had pressure more than 20 cm H2O. The highest pressure observed was 31.0 cm of H2O. Maximum number of patients (25; 64.1%) had CSF sugar level 50 mg%. CSF protein between 31-45 mg % was recorded in 24 (61.5%) patients.Conclusion: Cerebral malaria is one of the common manifestations of severe and complicated malaria in children. This study highlighted that the increased CSF pressure and protein was associated with increased mortality.