[Neuromalarian lesions in the pediatric unit, Gabriel Toure University Hospital (Bamako, Mali)].

INTRODUCTION:Malaria is one of the rare public health plagues which has been prevailing over centuries. It is severe around the world poverty line and remains the most widely spread disease in intertropical zones. The Afro-tropical region, which accounts for 8% of the world population, bears the heaviest malaria burden, with 80% to 90% of cases (200 to 280 millions) among which, 90% are due to P. falciparum. OBJECTIVE:To study neuromalarian lesions in 0-15 year old children in the Pediatric Unit at Gabriel Touré, University Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS:From February 2009 to January 2010 the study covered 92 children, aged 0-15 years old, with neuromalarian lesions hospitalized at the Pediatric unit of the Gabriel Toure University Hospital. RESULTS:2230 patients were received suffering from malaria, among whom 1320 hospitalized for neuromalarian. 92 cases (6.97%) of neuromalarian lesion were identified. There were 57 boys and 35 girls, with 1.63 sex ratio. 0 to 5 years old age group was the most significant, accounting for 67.39% of subjects. Axial hypotony was the most frequent lesion encountered (65.22%). Temporary blindness was reported in six patients (6.52%). Behavior disorders were reported in seven patients (7.61%). Five patients (5.43%) were victim of hemiplegia. Axial hypotonicity was associated with aphasia in thirty-seven patients (40.22%) and peripheral hypertonia in eighteen patients (19.57%). Seven patients (7.61%) became epileptic and six (6.52%) were suffering from dystonia. Recovery effects were 50% in the short term and 73.9% in the medium term. CONCLUSION:Despite progress made in terms of diagnosis and care, malaria still remain a fearsome pathology and source of neuromalarian lesions among which some lead to permanent disability. Early intervention and proper treatment could reduce the incidence of neuromalarian lesions.