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. 2004 Apr;4(1):50–57.

Table II.

Manifestations of severe malaria in patients in Mulago Paediatric emergency unit

Manifestations
of severe
malaria
% of patients
with manifestation
(n = 784)
Mortality in
children who
had manifestation
Mortality in
children who did
not have the
manifestation
P value
Defining manifestations of severe malaria
Severe anaemia
(Hb < 5 g/dl)
39.4 4.8 3.6 0.142
Respiratory distress
(tachypnoea & flaring
of alae nasi, chest in
drawing or deep breathing)
17.1 7.8 2.1 0.003
Multiple convulsions
(≥2 in 24hr)
13.3 7.6 3.1 0.073
Hypoglycaemia
(Blood sugar < 40mg/dl)
11.4 7.1 3.2 0.238
Cerebral malaria (BCS1 0–2) 7.2 19.6 1.7 < 0.0001
Haemoglobinuria 2.7 5.9 3.6 0.736
Spontaneous bleeding 0.3 0 3.7 0.940
Supporting manifestations of severe malaria
Hyperpyrexia
(axillary temp > 39.5°C)
22.5 4.3 2.8 0.326
Impaired consciousness
(BCS 3,4)
10.3 11.7 1.9 <0.0001
Jaundice 11.6 7.3 2.5 0.047
Prostration
(Unable to sit, stand or feed)
10.7 8.3 3.1 0.125
Hyperparasitaemia
(Parasite density > 250,000/µl)
8.6 4.6 2.9 0.682