Korean J Anesthesiol.  2016 Apr;69(2):193-196. 10.4097/kjae.2016.69.2.193.

Anesthetic management of urgent cesarean delivery in a parturient with acute malaria infection: a case report

• Zanfini BA
• Dell'Anna
• Catarci S
• Frassanito L
• Vagnoni S
• Draisci G

• KMID: 2242961
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2016.69.2.193

Abstract

Malaria is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. Nonetheless, several cases of malaria have been reported in Western countries involving travelers from endemic areas, though very few involve pregnant women. In this article, we report a case of a young woman born in Sierra Leone who had been living in Italy for two years. She was admitted to our hospital with malaise; worsening of her condition led to Plasmodium falciparum infection diagnosis early during her hospital stay, as well as an urgent cesarean delivery. We briefly discuss the features of malaria in pregnancy, the difficulties associated with early diagnosis, and the possible fetal and maternal implications, and also consider how the disease may affect anesthetic management.

Keyword

Cesarean section; Malaria; Premature birth; Spinal anesthesia

MeSH Terms

Africa
Anesthesia, Spinal
Asia, Southeastern
Cesarean Section
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Italy
Length of Stay
Malaria*
Mortality
Plasmodium falciparum
Pregnancy
Pregnant Women
Premature Birth
Sierra Leone
South America