Satisfactory course of an adult patient with severe complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria continues to be a major health problem worldwide, its early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to prevent complications and death.

Objective: To report the case of a Cuban patient from the Republic of Guinea, who presented with complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, who was hospitalized at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK).

Clinical case: Male patient, Cuban, black-skinned, 63 years old, occupation: merchant seaman. No personal pathological history. He arrived at the IPK on a stretcher, with some deterioration of consciousness, generalized weakness, respiratory distress and diuretic rhythm compromise. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he received treatment with the antimalarial drugs artesunate and primaquine. Parasitemia decreased over the days. The patient survived and was discharged satisfactorily 16 days after admission. This case was duly notified to the authorities of the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, which is a mandatory procedure of the National Surveillance System of Communicable Diseases in Cuba.

Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis, as well as a comprehensive, effective, and timely treatment was vital and led to a good disease outcome.