The prognostic and diagnostic value of intraleukocytic malaria pigment in patients with severe falciparum malaria
Issued Date
2022-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20411723
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85141697555
Pubmed ID
36371433
Journal Title
Nature Communications
Volume
13
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nature Communications Vol.13 No.1 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Srinamon K., Watson J.A., Silamut K., Intharabut B., Phu N.H., Diep P.T., Lyke K.E., Fanello C., von Seidlein L., Chotivanich K., Dondorp A.M., Day N.P.J., White N.J. The prognostic and diagnostic value of intraleukocytic malaria pigment in patients with severe falciparum malaria. Nature Communications Vol.13 No.1 (2022). doi:10.1038/s41467-022-34678-8 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/83516
Title
The prognostic and diagnostic value of intraleukocytic malaria pigment in patients with severe falciparum malaria
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Severe falciparum malaria is a major cause of death in tropical countries, particularly in African children. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and prognostic assessment are critical to clinical management. In 6027 prospectively studied patients diagnosed with severe malaria we assess the prognostic value of peripheral blood film counts of malaria pigment containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes. We combine these results with previously published data and show, in an individual patient data meta-analysis (n = 32,035), that the proportion of pigment containing PMNs is predictive of in-hospital mortality. In African children the proportion of pigment containing PMNs helps distinguish severe malaria from other life-threatening febrile illnesses, and it adds to the prognostic assessment from simple bedside examination, and to the conventional malaria parasite count. Microscopy assessment of pigment containing PMNs is simple and rapid, and should be performed in all patients hospitalised with suspected severe malaria.