Lactate Levels and Severe Malarial Anaemia
Author Information
Author(s): Climent Casals-Pascual, Kai Oscar, Brett Lowe, Mike English, Thomas N Williams, Kathryn Maitland, Charles R C J Newton, Norbert Peshu, David J Roberts
Primary Institution: Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and National Blood Service, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
The study tests whether parasitized erythrocytes and their products, including haemozoin and cytokine responses, contribute to lactic acidosis in children with severe malarial anaemia.
Conclusion
Blood stage parasites, haemozoin, and low levels of IL-12 may be associated with the development of hyperlactataemia in severe malarial anaemia.
Supporting Evidence
- Parasite density was associated with lactate levels on admission.
- Haemozoin-containing neutrophils and IL-12 were strongly associated with plasma lactate levels.
- These associations were not found in controls with uncomplicated malarial anaemia.
Takeaway
This study found that high lactate levels in children with severe malaria are linked to certain blood components and immune responses.
Methodology
The study involved 26 children with severe malarial anaemia, measuring plasma lactate levels, parasite density, and cytokine levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the measurement methods used.
Limitations
The study's sample size was small, and it may not be generalizable to all populations with malaria.
Participant Demographics
The study included 26 children with severe malarial anaemia, with a median age of 2.68 years for those with lactate < 5 mM and 1.46 years for those with lactate > 5 mM.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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