Diagnosis Protocol

Cerebral malaria: deep coma with parasitaemia. Severe anaemia: Hb <5 g/dl with parasitaemia. Respiratory distress: tachypnoea, nasal flaring, intercostal recession. Hypoglycaemia: blood glucose <2.2 mmol/L (<40 mg/dl). Circulatory collapse: systolic BP <80 mmHg (adult), <50 mmHg (child). Renal failure: urine <12 ml/kg/24h, creatinine >3.0 mg/dl. Spontaneous bleeding. Repeated convulsions: ≥2 in 24 hours.

Acidosis: plasma bicarbonate <15 mmol/L. Haemoglobinuria (dark urine, no RBCs). Pulmonary oedema. Impaired consciousness (not deep coma). Jaundice. Prostration. Severe vomiting. Severe dehydration. Hyperpyrexia: temperature >39.5°C. Hyperparasitaemia: >250,000/µl or >10%. Threatening abortion in pregnancy.