Muerte materna por malaria grave por Plasmodium vivax

Abstract

This is the case of a 19-year-old woman, with 29 weeks of pregnancy, from Llumpe (Ancash, Peru) with a history of traveling to the towns of Chanchamayo (Junín, Peru) and Rinconada (Ancash, Peru). She was admitted to the Chacas Hospital (Chacas, Ancash, Peru) with a general poor condition, dehydration, respiratory distress, jaundice, apparent elevation of body temperature, and abdominal pain. A microscopic examination of blood films revealed a 60% of hemoparasites. She was transferred to the Ramos Guardia Hospital (Huaraz, Peru) where presented more difficulty to breath, choluria, haematuria and decreased urine output, also a positive test for Malaria parasites (Plasmodium). Then, she was transferred to the Cayetano Heredia Hospital (Lima, Peru), admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where she suffered multiple organ failure and death. The product was stillborn. She had indication of mechanical ventilation, and antibiotic treatment with clindamycin and quinine which did not received by unavailability. The disease evolution was torpid. Plasmodium vivax infection was confirmed. We emphasize the importance of improving our diagnostic capabilities and management to provide adequate and timely treatment.