Table 3.
Summary of PMNS due to Plasmodium falciparum
| Plasmodium falciparum PMNS features (determined on 46 published cases) | |
|---|---|
| Mean age | 33 years |
| Sex ratio (% male) | 66% |
| Previous severe malaria | 85% |
| Previous cerebral malaria | 50% |
| Malaria species | Plasmodium falciparum (also P. vivaxa) |
| Previous treatment for malaria | No effect |
| Traveler or local population | Described in both populations |
| Symptom-free period since malaria (mean) | 15 days |
| Fever | 46% |
| Mental confusion | 72% |
| Seizures | 35% |
| Psychosis | 26% |
| Cerebellar disorders | 28% |
| Motor deficit | 13% |
| MRI (abnormal) | 43% mostly white matter lesions |
| CSF | 52% lymphocytic meningitis, 77% high protein level but normal glucose level |
| EEG (abnormal) | 94% (encephalopathy) |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids advised in severe forms (lack of specific recommendation) |
| Prognosis | Excellent (100% ad integrum recovery) |
aSee text for further details