Resolution pattern of jaundice among children presenting with severe malaria in rural South-West Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the pattern of jaundice resolution among children with severe malaria treated with quinine and artemether.

METHODS

Thirty two children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study from two hospitals with intensive care facilities. They were divided into two groups; 'Q' and 'A', receiving quinine and artemether, respectively. Jaundice was assessed by clinical examination.

RESULTS

Sixteen out of 32 children recruited (representing 50%) presented with jaundice on the day of recruitment. The mean age was (7.00°C2.56) years. On day 3, four patients in 'A' and six patients in 'Q' had jaundice. By day 7, no child had jaundice.

CONCLUSION

The study has shown that both drugs resolve jaundice although artemether relatively resolves it faster by the third day.