A case of Plasmodium vivax malaria with respiratory failure

Abstract

ABSTRACT Acute renal failure disseminated intravascular coagula-tion, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), hypo-glycemia, coma or epileptic seizures are manifestations of severe Plasmodium (P.) falciparum malaria. P. vivax malaria is rarely associated with severe complications. We report a case of 30-year-old male refugee coming from Pakistan, has been found in hospital garden as un-conscious. After therapy of pneumonia requiring intensive care unit and intensive supportive care, the patient left invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Because of contin-ued fever and chills attacks focused on malaria diagnosis, Plasmodium vivax malaria detected on thick peripheral blood smear. After intensive supportive care and specific anti-plasmodial therapy, the patient recovered and was discharged from hospital. The use of IMV vivax-malaria related ARDS was associated with a good outcome.