Prevalence of malaria in pregnant women at the department of gyneco-obstetrics, teaching hospital of Treichville

Abstract

Aim: To provide up-to-date data on malaria in pregnancy.
Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at Treichville University Hospital from
January 2022 to December 2022. All patients admitted to the obstetric emergency department during
gravido-puerperium who tested positive for malaria were included. The parameters studied were
sociodemographic characteristics, preventive measures, treatment and maternal-fetal prognosis.
Results: During our study, we registered 916 patients admitted for pregnancy pathology, among them,
109 (11.9%) who had a malaria attack confirmed by a thick drop. Primigravidas accounted for 38%. The
notion of prior malaria was reported in 29.3%. Malaria was found after 32 SA in 54 patients (49.6%). The
long-acting impregnated mosquito net (LLINT) was properly used in 34.4% while 85% of patients had
received it. The most commonly used treatment was artesunate in 94 patients (86.2%). We recorded 28
cases of preterm birth (32.6%). Regarding the mode of delivery, caesarean section was performed in
46.9% of cases. Acute fetal distress (AFS) was the complication most encountered in 31.5%. Thick drop
came back positive in 28.8% of newborns. 02 maternal deaths have been reported.
Conclusion: Malaria and pregnancy are two mutually aggravating situations. Efficient management
requires the creation of a malaria pregnancy consortium offering all ethical and scientific guarantees.