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Severe falciparum malaria — RCPSC IM MCQ

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HardInfectious DiseasesSevere falciparum malariaRCPSC IM

A patient treated with intravenous artesunate for severe falciparum malaria improves and parasitemia clears. Which follow-up is essential?

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Correct answer: C — Arrange serial hemoglobin and hemolysis monitoring for delayed post-artesunate hemolysis

The best answer is “Arrange serial hemoglobin and hemolysis monitoring for delayed post-artesunate hemolysis”. Delayed hemolysis can occur one to three weeks after parenteral artesunate, so follow-up blood counts and hemolysis markers are required even after clinical and parasitologic recovery. A negative smear does not end safety monitoring.

Reference: CATMAT Canadian malaria treatment recommendations, full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5864436/