Black water fever

By | May 15, 2012

It s the most severe complication of chronic malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum. It is seen commonly in those who have taken the antimalrial treatment irregularly or are G6PD deficient.

 

It is called so due to production of black, dark brown urine owing to intravascular hemolysis

 

Clinical features

 

  1. Abrupt onset of fever
  2. marked hemolysis
  3. hemoglobinuria
  4. hyperbilirubinemia
  5. vomiting
  6. circulatory collapse
  7. acute renal failure

 

 

Treatment

 

Fluids by mouth and iv glucose if vomiting is present.

High carbohydrate diets if diuresis occurs.

 

Antimalarial therapy

Antipyretics

Blood transfusion to correct the anemia

Prednisolone to prevent further hemolysis

Treat acute renal failure accordingly.