Severe malaria in a premature newborn at the Neonatology Unit of the Mali Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: malaria is a public health problem in Mali. However, it is so rare in the newborn that its search is not systematic in the latter even feverish.

Observation: this was a 21-day premature newborn admitted for fever at the neonatology department of the Mali Hospital. The diagnosis was made with the rapid test (RDT) for malaria. A treatment including Artesunate, transfusion of globular concentrate and infusion of 10% glucose serum has been initiated. The evolution was marked by apyrexia, resumption of diet and weight, decrease in parasitaemia and increase in hemoglobin level.

Conclusion: the RDT of malaria must be systematic in febrile newborns in the malaria endemic zone so as not to miss neonatal malaria