Obstetric management of malaria infection

Question 1

Common obstetric problems with acute symptomatic malaria

Answer 1

• Preterm labour
• Fetal growth restriction
• Fetal heart rate abnormalities
• Uncomplicated malaria in pregnancy is not a reason for induction of labour
• Peripartum malaria is an indication for placental histology and placenta, cord and baby blood films
• Maternal thrombocytopenia

Question 2

Congenital malaria incidence

Answer 2

8 - 33 %

Question 3

Countries endemic for malaria and risk without prophylaxis

Answer 3

• Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Papua, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu) 1:20
• Sub-Saharan Africa 1:50
• Indian subcontinent 1:500
• Southeast Asia 1:500
• South America 1:2500
• Central America and the Caribbean 1:10 000