Study Of Clinical Profile Of Malaria At KMC Hospital, Attavar,India
110-115
Correspondence
Corresponding Author Dr. Mukta N Chowta,
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology,Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore- 575001. Phone No. 0824-2445858, Email: muktachowta@yahoo.co.in
Introduction India being a vast country with different geographical regions, the pattern of diseases may vary from place to place. The present study was undertaken to study the clinical features, complications, and response to treatment in a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology A prospective analysis of adult patients suffering from malaria was carried out at KMC hospital, Attavar during the year 2002-2003. Diagnosis of the patients was based on clinical features and by peripheral smear. The mode of presentation, clinical course, laboratory investigations, antimalarials administered, and complications were recorded. The response to treatment was noted both clinically and by repeating peripheral blood smear examinations.
Results Out of the 54 patients, 39 were males and 15 females. The age group of the patients ranged from 17 to 65 years. Fever was present in all the patients. 51.55 % of patients complained of headache and 31.55 % had vomiting. Jaundice was observed in 11 patients. Cough was also a complaint in four patients. Symptoms of gastritis were observed in two patients and two other patients had diarrhoea. Anaemia was present in 20 patients. Out of the 54 patients, 31.48% had infection with P.falciparum, 33.33% with P.vivax, and 29.62% had mixed infection. Chloroquine resistance was observed in nine patients. Complications were seen in 10 patients.
Conclusion Injudicious use and inadequate dosage of the available drugs need to be curbed. To achieve the global aim of malaria control, we must carry out an epidemiological survey to monitor the progression of resistance while planning an effective antimalarial strategy.