Placental Malaria Parasitemia and Pregnancy Outcome in Two Secondary Health Facilities in Abuja

Abstract

Introduction: Placental malaria is a distinct feature of malaria in pregnancy which occurs as a result of sequestration of plasmodium falciparum parasites in the placenta. It has been associated with adverse consequences to the mother, fetus and neonate especially in areas of high endemicity. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between Placental Malaria and maternal anemia, neonatal anemia, birth weight and congenital malaria at parturition.

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study which involved 210 eligible parturients in labor was carried out over a 6 month period in two secondary health facilities in Abuja. Maternal blood was taken for Malaria Parasite (MP) and packed cell volume (PCV) prior to delivery. Cord blood was also collected for MP and PCV while placental blood was examined for MP. The weight of the neonate was measured at delivery. Statistical analysis of the data was done and the level of statistical significance was set at a probability value of less than 0.05 (P < 0.05).

Results: Cord parasitemia (congenital malaria) was found to be significantly higher in those with placental parasitemia. Placental parasitemia was also associated with low birth weight (P=0.0001). There was no statistically significant relationship observed between placental parasitemia and maternal anemia (P=0.904) or fetal anemia (P=0.669).

Conclusion: Placental malaria is associated with low birth weight and congenital malaria both of which have extensive adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Pre-emptive measures should be ensured in pregnant women to mitigate these negative impacts.

Keywords: Placental malaria, Birthweight, congenital malaria, Maternal Anemia