Severe orthostatic hypotension in otherwise uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax infection

Abstract

Impaired autonomic control of postural homeostasis resulting in orthostatic hypotension has been described in falciparum malaria. However, severe orthostatic intolerance in Plasmodium vivax has been rarely reported. A case of non-immune previously healthy Thai woman presenting with P. vivax infection with well-documented orthostatic hypotension is described. In addition to oral chloroquine and intravenous artesunate, the patient was treated with fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine. During hospitalization, her haemodynamic profile revealed orthostatic hypotension persisting for another three days after microscopic and polymerase chain reaction confirmed parasite clearance. Potential causes are discussed.