Factors associated with ocular features in children with Malaria in the University of Benin teaching hospital, Benin City. A cross-sectional study.

Dr. Johnpaul Okolo Oshorenua; A.E. Omoti; O.M. Uhumwangho; D.U Nwaneri

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2720

Authors

Dr.Johnpaul Oshorenua Okolo MBBS, MWACS, FMCOph, Consultant Ophthalmologist, SAHAD HOSPITALS, FCT ABUJA
Prof. A.E. Omoti MBBS, FMCOph, FWACS. Professor/consultant ophthalmologist, University of Benin teaching hospital.
Dr O.M. Uhumwangho MBBS, FMCOph, FWACS, FVRS. Consultant ophthalmologist, University of Benin teaching hospital
Dr. D.U Nwaneri MBBS, FMCOPaed, FWACP (Pead). Senior research fellow/consultant paediatrician, University of Benin teaching hospital.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2720

Keywords:

Ophthalmologist, Factors, ocular features, Children with Malaria, University of Benin teaching hospital

Abstract

Background:

The study aims to assess the factors associated with ocular features in children with Malaria in the University of Benin teaching hospital.

Methods:

A case control study at the UBTH in which Data were analysed using the Statistical Software Package SPSS, version 21. Quantitative variables were summarised using descriptive statistics. The relationship between ocular features and the identified factors was presented as bivariate frequency tables and charts where applicable.

Results:

The ages of the subjects ranged from 11months to 16 years for cases and 3 years to 17 years for controls. The mean age for the cases and control were4.08±3.85and 4.04±2.49, respectively.

The prevalence of any ocular features of malaria was seen to be higher in males (25%) than in females (21.1%) in this study, although the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.490). The highest prevalence of ocular features of severe malaria was seen in children in the < 5-year age group (26.8%). Prevalence of ocular features of malaria (any retinopathy) was higher in children who had convulsed (54.8%) than in those who did not (45.2%). Retinopathy is significantly associated with high malaria parasite density (p=0.002). Prevalence of retinopathy in patients with 3 plus (+++) Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite was higher than in children with 2 plus (++). There was a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of ocular features of malaria with a decrease in the social class of subjects and vice versa (p=0.000).

Conclusion:

The ocular features of malaria are more frequently found in patients with more severe malaria infestation. Ocular features of malaria were higher in the children who had convulsed.

Recommendations:

The Ophthalmologist should be consulted in the co-management of children with malaria complications. This will aid diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment modalities.

Author Biographies

Dr.Johnpaul Oshorenua Okolo, MBBS, MWACS, FMCOph, Consultant Ophthalmologist, SAHAD HOSPITALS, FCT ABUJA

is a student of the medical college in ophthalmology at the Faculty of Ophthalmology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Prof. A.E. Omoti, MBBS, FMCOph, FWACS. Professor/consultant ophthalmologist, University of Benin teaching hospital.

is a consultant ophthalmologist at the University of Benin teaching hospital.

Dr O.M. Uhumwangho, MBBS, FMCOph, FWACS, FVRS. Consultant ophthalmologist, University of Benin teaching hospital

is a Consultant ophthalmologist University of Benin teaching hospital.

Dr. D.U Nwaneri, MBBS, FMCOPaed, FWACP (Pead). Senior research fellow/consultant paediatrician, University of Benin teaching hospital.

is a Senior research fellow/consultant paediatrician at the University of Benin teaching hospital.

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