Blood Exchance — A Rescue Procedure for Complicated Falciparum Malaria

Falciparum malaria is the most hazardous form of malaria. Its high degree of parasitemia interferes with vital functions of most organs and is directly responsible for its high rate of mortality and morbidity. Quinine and other antimalarial drugs are relatively slow acting and not always effective due to the growing resistance developed by Plasmodium toward these drugs. Another emergency modality, which would remove the parasitic burden quickly and effectively, is thus much needed. We present a case of a 51-year-old sailor, who was admitted to the hospital because of complicated falciparum malaria. His situation deteriorated rapidly into a desparate stage, despite the various intensive treatments and quinine. He soon developed a systemic inflammatory response syndrome manifested as cerebral malaria, renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation. An emergency blood exchange reversed the situation dramatically, and the patient recovered completely. It is recommended that any doctor, both in endemic and in non endemic areas, dealing with blood transfusions or infectious diseases, should be acquainted with this life-saving modality, regardless of the controversy still surrounding this subject.