Effect of Malaria on Some Electrolytes Renal Function (Urea and Creatinine) in Pregnant Women in Mubi of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a blood infection commonly caused by protozoan that primarily affects and subsequently destroys the red blood cells (RBC), by releasing an endotoxin which triggers inflammatory reaction. Malaria and hypertensive disorders are common diseases in Nigeria that often claimed lives of many especially women during pregnancy, resulting in maternal complications and mortality. Therefore, this article was designed to determine the effect of malaria on electrolytes, urea, and creatinine among pregnant women in Mubi North, Adamawa state, Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) samples of pregnant women with malaria were sampled from Mubi, and one hundred (100) pregnant women without malaria were used as control. Their Blood samples obtained anticoagulant bottles containing K3 EDTA for malaria parasite testing, and blood in anticoagulant bottles containing lithium heparin was used for electrolyte, urea, and creatinine assays. Urine specimens were collected from each participant in a clean, dry, wide-neck, sterile bottle with a cover for proteinuria analysis. Blood pressure measures were taken at the time of admission after 10-minute rest, and the values were recorded. The age range of the patients were between 15 – 50 years. The following information ware collected from the patients: Age, History level of gravidity, history of any hypertensive disorders, kidney disease, or any internal organs disorders. The results obtained showed that pregnant mothers with malaria examined for electrolytes, urea, and creatinine in this study had some significant reductions in levels of electrolytes with an increased level of urea and creatinine following Malaria infection as compared with the control cases. The younger age between 10-20 years had the highest complication risk of malaria, which eventually led to hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcaemia, with an increase in urea and creatinine level respectively as presented in (Table 2). Recommendation on an early preventive strategy is required in Nigeria, because most malaria prevention strategies are not implemented on time until the parasite gets to second trimester or later, leaving women at risk of infection early in gestation. It is concluded that (EUCr) estimation in pregnant women with malaria should be adopted as one aspect of antenatal care.