Abstract:
|
In the developing world, hypoglycemia is a frequent complication
among admitted children, particularly in malaria-endemic areas,
and a defining feature of severe malaria and associated with
high case fatality rates (CFR). This complication could be much
more common than currently considered, particularly because it
frequently occurs without a direct immediate clinical
translation. Its etiology has not yet been fully understood and
is likely to be multifactorial. Routine screening and treatment
of hypoglycemia, as recommended by international guidelines, may
be challenging to perform indeveloping countries on account of
the limited resources available. In this review, we discuss the
published literature in relation with the incidence, risk
factors, and consequences of hypoglycemia among malaria
patients, aiming to improve our current understanding of this
common and life-threatening complication of malaria. |