Exchange transfusion therapy in severe complicated malaria
Pinanong, M.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 80(5): 332-337
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 9175378 Document Number: 18186
Two groups of sixteen cases of severe complicated falciparum malaria on two different regimens of treatment were retrospectively studied. The first group including 12 patients, were treated by anti malarial drugs alone. The second group including 4 patients, were treated by exchange transfusion. Multisystemic complications were observed in both groups. It was observed that in complicated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), renal and hyperparasitemia were > 30 per cent. The result of the exchange transfusion group was superior to the non exchange group. Exchange transfusion is therefore recommended in the treatment of malarial patients who present with parasitemia > 30 per cent and severe multisystemic complications particularly those who have severe acute renal failure or have lung complications. The amount of blood used for each exchange transfusion should be at least 10-14 units for rapid removal of parasites and toxic metabolites from the circulation.
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