CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF 144 CASES OF MALIGNANT MALARIA IN YUNNAN

Clinical analysis of 144 cases of malignant malaria in June to October. 1982 and 1983 was reported. The chief clinical features were fever, headache, sweating, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, rigor (50%) and jaundice in one case. Abdominal pain and vomiting occurred in about 25% cases. Convulsion occurred in one case and coma in seven patients of cerebral type. Laboratory findings were anemia (48.9%). thrombocytopenia (58.4%). increased plasma viscosity (55.6%) and decreased whole blood viscosity (79.4%). There were also pathological sign; of eye blood vessels. 137 patients were infected with malignant malaria alone, and 7 in combination with vivax malaria. The cases were divided into 3 treatment groups:(1) Single dose of Artemether (300 mg intramuscularly) in combination with antima-larial Ⅱ (5 tablets orally). (2) Artemether (200 mg daily im). 3-days course, and (3) Chloroquine (total dose 1.5 gm base orally) 3-days course. All patients ultimately recovered, while the first group had the best therapeutic effect. The epidemiologic feature, treatment and pathogenesis of malignant malaria were discussed.