What is the first line treatment of malaria?

Chloroquine is the preferred treatment for any parasite that is sensitive to the drug. But in many parts of the world, parasites are resistant to chloroquine, and the drug is no longer an effective treatment. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

What is the most common complication of malaria?

The major complications of severe malaria include cerebral malaria, pulmonary edema, acute renal failure, severe anemia, and/or bleeding. Acidosis and hypoglycemia are the most common metabolic complications. Any of these complications can develop rapidly and progress to death within hours or days [12].

Which is the best treatment plan for a person with malaria?

The best available treatment, particularly for P. falciparum malaria, is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

Are there any side effects of exchange transfusion for malaria?

Adverse events due to ET were rarely reported but included acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventricular fibrillation, and hypotension. To date, this is the largest and most comprehensive study of exchange transfusion for treatment of severe malaria. Based on this evidence, adjunct ET cannot be recommended for the treatment of severe malaria.

How is malaria transmitted through a blood transfusion?

The parasite invades red blood cells and destroys them releasing daughter cells which further invade more red cells. Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of the female anopheles mosquitoes. It can also rarely be transmitted through blood transfusion from an infected donor.

How is et used in the treatment of malaria?

ET is a procedure in which a portion of blood from the infected patient is removed and replaced with uninfected blood. Previously, the rationale for the use of ET in severe malaria was that ET removed infected cells and toxic byproducts. ET has been used in countries like the United States to complement antimalarials when treating severe malaria.

What should I do if I have a reaction to a blood transfusion?

During the early stages of a reaction it may be difficult to ascertain the cause. Immediate patient management comprises stopping the transfusion, reperforming the pretransfusion checklist, documenting observations, providing immediate patient care and contacting the treating medical officer.