Malaria in pregnancy complications in Southern Venezuela

Abstract

Background Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, increasing the risk of maternal–fetal complications, mainly in high-endemicity areas. However, few studies of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) have been carried out in Latin America, a region with low endemicity and transmission of both, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Despite the high malaria burden in Venezuela in the last years, no recent studies of MiP have been conducted. Hence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with malaria in southern Venezuela are described herein. Methods A retrospective study in pregnant women attending at the “Ruíz y Páez” University Hospital Complex, Bolivar state, Venezuela, was carried out between February and October, 2019. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory information was analysed. Results Thirty-seven out of 52 pregnant women analysed were infected with P. vivax. Age ranged between 15 and 39 years, and adolescent pregnancies were common. Malaria infection was diagnosed mainly during the third trimester of pregnancy (63.4%). The distribution of symptoms and signs as well as clinical laboratory values was similar among Plasmodium spp. Although uncomplicated malaria was most frequent, 30% (13/52) had severe anaemia. A high proportion of studied women (44%) presented at least one complication during the pregnancy or delivery. Spontaneous abortion was recorded in four women, and three fetal deaths were observed. Six women had preterm delivery without any further complication. Conclusions A high prevalence of maternal–fetal complications was found in the studied population, highlighting the requirement for a careful medical follow up during the prenatal check-ups, which should include routinary malaria tests. Preventive measures as distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito net for pregnant women at risk should also be implemented. Those measures can help to reduce the negative impact of malaria on the newborn and mother.

Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health

“…Malaria parasites, mainly Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax , are other pathogens associated with an elevated risk of pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth ( Briand et al., 2016 ; Romero et al., 2021 ). Malaria parasite-infected erythrocytes during pregnancy can adhere to placental receptors and trigger placental inflammation and subsequent damage, causing harm to both mother and her infant ( Chua et al., 2021 ).…”

Enfermedades tropicales y embarazo: revisión narrativa

“…En el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", estado Bolívar, entre febrero y octubre de 2019, Romero y col. (35), realizaron un estudio retrospectivo en gestantes atendidas en ese lapso, 37 de las 52 embarazadas analizadas estaban infectadas con P. vivax. La edad osciló entre los 15 y los 39 años.…”

Tracking malaria health disbursements by source in Zambia, 2009–2018: an economic modelling study

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“…The researcher believes that malaria disease burden, (trends and prevalence) cannot be understood fully unless there is an attempt to discuss the disease burden in light of the country's funding profile and specific malaria interventions. Therefore, study aims at (1)…”