An epidemiological study assessing maternal and fatal outcome of malaria in pregnancy: An observational study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to observe maternal and fetal outcome of malaria in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The present study of pregnant women with fever was conducted for the period of 1 year. Detailed history and clinical examination were done to ascertain the cause of fever. Haemoglobin, total and differential leucocyte count, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria, routine urine examinations were done. Microscopy of blood smears was done for species identification for all malaria positive pregnant women. Results: During the research period, our hospital treated a cohort of 12,500 pregnant women, of whom 50 tested positive for malaria. The incidence of malaria in pregnant women throughout the research period was 0.40%. Out of the total malaria cases, 32 instances were seen in primigravidae (women who are pregnant for the first time) and 18 cases were observed in multi-gravidae (women who had been pregnant before), representing 64% and 36% of the cases respectively. Among the 50 cases, P. falciparum , vivax , and mixed malaria represent 24%, 58%, and 18% of the cases, respectively, with P. vivax being the most common pathogen. Among the 50 cases, 19 had maternal anaemia. Of them, 12 (24%) were primigravida and 7 (14%) were multi-gravida. Maternal thrombocytopenia was seen in 16 instances, with 11 (22%) occurring in primigravida women and 5 (10%) occurring in multigravida women. The occurrence of maternal anaemia due to various pathogens was responsible for 84.22% and 15.78% of cases, whereas maternal thrombocytopenia was attributed to 43.75% and 56.25% of cases caused by P. vivax and falciparum , respectively. The obstetric outcomes consist of 7 instances (14%) of spontaneous miscarriage, all occurring during the first trimester, 11 instances (22%) of preterm births, 15 instances (30%) of low-birth-weight newborns, and 1 instance (2%) of perinatal mortality. Conclusion: Malaria has a negative impact on both pregnant women and the pregnancy outcome. It is recommended that all pregnant mothers with fever must undergo screening for malarial parasites and get appropriate medical treatment and supportive care to enhance the well-being of both mother and the foetus.