Evaluation of serum electrolytes and kidney function among untreated malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) patients in health centers, Konso zone, South Ethiopia.

Background: Malaria is a major health problem around the world. Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) is the species that is most commonly associated with the severe and complicated forms of malaria, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, including Ethiopia. One of the complications of malaria is its impact on kidney and electrolyte levels. The objectives of the study were to assess the kidney function and serum electrolyte levels among untreated malaria patients infected with P. falciparum.

Methodology: A case-control study that enrolled a total of 108 participants (54 with confirmed untreated P. falciparum malaria as a case and 54 were non-malaria as a control). Participants in the study were included based on systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires administered by interviewers. 5 ml of blood samples were collected to investigate kidney function such as creatinine and urea, as well as serum electrolytes such as sodium ion (Na⁺) and potassium ion (K⁺), using a chemistry automated analyzer. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 27. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result: The study subjects were comprised of 52 (48.1%) men and 56 (51.9%) women. The mean age for the case group and the control group was 26.85 ± 8 and 27.17 ± 7.17 years old, respectively. The result showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum creatinine and urea level in the case group (1.32 ± 0.29 mg/dL and 39.8 ± 8.34 mg/dL) compared with the control group (0.92 ± 0.32 mg/dL and 25.78 ± 7.97 mg/dL), respectively. The serum levels of Na⁺ and K⁺ were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the case group (132.15 ± 3.96 mmol/L and 3.44 ± 0.40 mmol/L) as compared to the control group (137.11 ± 3.11 mmol/L and 3.94 ± 0.39 mmol/L), respectively.

Conclusion: Malaria has a significant impact on kidney function (creatinine and urea) and serum electrolytes (Na⁺ and K⁺). This may indicate that malaria is the determinant factor for developing kidney dysfunction and serum electrolyte imbalance. Hence, we recommend routine evaluation of these parameters in malaria-infected individuals.