Immunomodulation Therapy to Treat Severe Malaria With Multiple Organ Failure.
Saige Camara, Amy Buck, Mikayla Burrell et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 5-year-old girl returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo presented with fever, shock, 10.9% parasitemia, acute kidney injury, and multiple organ dysfunction. Despite treatment with IV artesunate and RBC exchange, she experienced refractory shock and severe lactic acidosis. The initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy combined with a selective cytopheretic device led to improvements in inflammatory markers, vasopressor needs, and metabolic acidosis, resulting in progressive organ recovery.
What made this case unusual
This case highlights the first clinical application of the selective cytopheretic device in treating severe malaria, showcasing its potential role in managing hyperinflammation.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider adjunctive immunomodulatory therapies, such as the selective cytopheretic device, in cases of severe malaria complicated by multiple organ failure.
Why it matters
This case underscores the need for innovative treatment strategies in severe malaria, particularly in addressing dysregulated inflammation and organ dysfunction.