Prevalence of ocular features in children with malaria in the University of Benin teaching hospital, Benin City. A cross-sectional study.

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

doi:10.51168/0178b822

Authors

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/0178b822

Keywords:

Prevalence, Ocular features, Children with malaria, Benin City

Abstract

Background:

The study aims to assess the prevalence of ocular features in children with malaria in UBTH, Benin City.

Materials and methods:

In this hospital-based case control study at the UBTH, subjects and controls who satisfied the inclusion criteria of the study underwent ophthalmic examination for ocular features of malaria and were assessed for relevant laboratory indices necessary in the diagnosis of malaria using the revised 2014 WHO criteria.

Results:

The prevalence of ocular features of malaria was 27.5%. There was a significant statistical difference between ocular features of malaria in the cases when compared to the controls. (p=0.0001). In the anterior segment, pallor and icterus were common ocular features of malaria seen in children with malaria. There was a significant statistical difference in children who had pallor and icterus between the cases and control groups (p=0.000) and (p=0.001), respectively. One child in the control group who had oculocutaneous albinism had pendular nystagmus present. Posterior segment findings seen in children with malaria in this study included vessel abnormalities 34(19.1%), macular whitening 20(11.2%), retinal whitening 14(7.8%), retinal haemorrhage 14(7.8), disc pallor 11(6.1%), papilloedema 10(5.6%), and macular haemorrhage 6(3.4%). 102(57.3%) were males; while 76(42.7%) were females for cases, 98(55.1%) were males while 80(44.9%) were females for controls.

Conclusion:

Various patterns of ocular features are seen in children infected with malaria, with posterior segment abnormalities being more common than anterior segment changes.

Recommendations:

Better awareness should be created among medical personnel, other speciality consultants, and ophthalmologists on ocular features of malaria and its diagnostic usefulness.

Author Biographies

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

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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