Hyderabad: Kidney dysfunction is a contributing factor in severe malaria cases according to research carried out by PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Understanding the manner in which malaria affects the kidney will help in improved treatment regimes of the disease.
Malaria kills 5,00,000 people worldwide every year and affects more than 200 million people. Severe cases are frequently reported of impaired immune response, inflammation and kidney failure. The study has found that severe disease from P.vivax is associated with creatinine elevation and extreme inflammation.
Dr Narsimulu K., professor of general medicine explains that in severe cases of malaria abnormal creatinine levels are seen. “There are patients who are put on dialysis and then treated with medication for malaria. But it is important to diagnose the damage to the kidney. Earlier the diagnosis better it is.”
Clinical evaluation has shown that renal failure can be delayed by four to seven days in relation to the beginning of the malaria attack. Experts state that attack of the pathogens on the kidney is identified hence in the treatment protocols the first aspect is to check kidney functioning and diagnose the damage early.
Nephrologist Dr P. Nayak explained, “Once the severity in malaria cases develops complications increase. Hence there are a team of doctors who have to attend to the patient. The most important aspect is to monitor organ functioning so that the diagnosis is early.”
