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Vandermosten L, Prenen F, Fogang B, Dagneau de Richecour P, Knoops S, Donkeu CJ, Nguefack CDP, Taguebue JV, Ndombo PK, Ghesquière B, Ayong L, Van den Steen PE. Glucocorticoid dysfunction in children with severe malaria. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1187196. [PMID: 37492570 PMCID: PMC10364055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1187196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria remains a widespread health problem with a huge burden. Severe or complicated malaria is highly lethal and encompasses a variety of pathological processes, including immune activation, inflammation, and dysmetabolism. Previously, we showed that adrenal hormones, in particular glucocorticoids (GCs), play critical roles to maintain disease tolerance during Plasmodium infection in mice. Here, GC responses were studied in Cameroon in children with uncomplicated malaria (UM), severe malaria (SM) and asymptomatic controls (AC). Methods To determine the sensitivity of leukocytes to GC signaling on a transcriptional level, we measured the ex vivo induction of glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) by GCs in human and murine leukocytes. Targeted tracer metabolomics on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed to detect metabolic changes induced by GCs. Results Total cortisol levels increased in patients with clinical malaria compared to AC and were higher in the SM versus UM group, while cortisol binding globulin levels were unchanged and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were heterogeneous. Induction of both GILZ and FKBP5 by GCs was significantly reduced in patients with clinical malaria compared to AC and in malaria-infected mice compared to uninfected controls. Increased activity in the pentose phosphate pathway was found in the patients, but this was not affected by ex vivo stimulation with physiological levels of hydrocortisone. Interestingly, hydrocortisone induced increased levels of cAMP in AC, but not in clinical malaria patients. Discussion Altogether, this study shows that patients with SM have increased cortisol levels, but also a decreased sensitivity to GCs, which may clearly contribute to the severity of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Vandermosten
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fran Prenen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Balotin Fogang
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pauline Dagneau de Richecour
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Knoops
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Paul Koki Ndombo
- Mother and Child Center, Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bart Ghesquière
- Metabolomics Expertise Center, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Metabolomics Expertise Center, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Philippe E. Van den Steen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Chastang KM, Imam R, Sherman MG, Olowojesiku R, Mukadam AM, Seydel KB, Liomba AM, Barber JR, Postels DG. Temporal Trends of Blood Glucose in Children with Cerebral Malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:1151-1156. [PMID: 37068750 PMCID: PMC10540124 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose < 2.2 mmol/L, is associated with death in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM). The optimal duration of glucose monitoring in CM is unknown. We collected data from 1,674 hospitalized Malawian children with CM to evaluate the association between hypoglycemia and death or neurologic disability in survivors. We assessed the optimal duration of routine periodic measurements of blood glucose. Children with hypoglycemia at admission had a 2.87-fold higher odds (95% CI: 1.35-6.09) of death and, if they survived, a 3.21-fold greater odds (95% CI: 1.51-6.86) of sequelae at hospital discharge. If hypoglycemia was detected at 6 hours but not at admission, there was a 7.27-fold higher odds of death (95% CI: 1.85-8.56). The presence of newly developed hypoglycemia after admission was not independently associated with neurological sequelae in CM survivors. Among all new episodes of blood sugar below a treatment threshold of 3.0 mmol/L, 94.7% occurred within 24 hours of admission. In those with blood sugar below 3.0 mmol/L in the first 24 hours, low blood sugar persisted or recurred for up to 42 hours. Hypoglycemia at admission or 6 hours afterward is strongly associated with mortality in CM. Children with CM should have 24 hours of post-admission blood glucose measurements. If a blood glucose less than the treatment threshold of 3.0 mmol/L is not detected, routine assessments may cease. Children who have blood sugar values below the treatment threshold detected within the first 24 hours should continue to have periodic glucose measurements for 48 hours post-admission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rami Imam
- The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Meredith G. Sherman
- Global Health Initiative, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ronke Olowojesiku
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Karl B. Seydel
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - John R. Barber
- Division of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children’s National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Douglas G. Postels
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
- Division of Neurology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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Torres-Fernandez D, Varo R, Bassat Q. Opportunities for Improving Outcomes in Severe Malaria: The Role of Blood Glucose Monitoring. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:1079-1080. [PMID: 37068755 PMCID: PMC10540110 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Torres-Fernandez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rosauro Varo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Kyomugisa B, Were TP, Rujumba J, Munube D, Lorraine O, Kiguli S. "Prevalence, outcome and factors associated with dysglycemia among critically ill children presenting to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital: A cross sectional study". RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2734736. [PMID: 37205509 PMCID: PMC10187377 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2734736/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Dysglycemia has been shown to influence outcome among critically ill children. We aimed to determine the prevalence, outcome and factors associated with dysglycemia among critically ill children aged one month to 12 years presenting to Fort Portal regional referral hospital. Methods The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design for prevalence and factors associated, and longitudinal observational study design to determine the immediate outcome. Critically ill children aged one month to 12 years were systematically sampled and triaged at outpatient department using World Health Organization emergency signs. The random blood glucose was evaluated on admission and at 24 hours. Verbal and written informed consent/assent were obtained after stabilization of the study participants. Those that had hypoglycemia were given Dextrose 10% and those with hyperglycemia had no intervention. Results Of the 384 critically ill children, dysglycemia was present in 21.7% (n = 83), of those 78.3% (n = 65) had hypoglycemia and 21.7% (n = 18) had hyperglycemia. The proportion of dysglycemia at 24 hours was 2.4% (n = 2). None of the study participants had persistent hypoglycemia at 24 hours. The cumulative mortality at 48hours was 3.6% (n = 3). At 48 hours 33.2% (n = 27) had stable blood glucose levels and were discharged from the hospital. After multiple logistic regression, obstructed breathing (AOR 0.07(0.02-0.23), inability to breastfeed/drink (AOR 2.40 (1.17-4.92) and active convulsions (AOR 0.21 (0.06-0.74), were the factors that were significantly associated with dysglycemia among critically ill children. The results will guide in the revision of policies and treatment protocols to facilitate better management of children at risk of dysglycemia nationally. Conclusions Dysglycemia was found to affect one in five critically ill children aged one month to 12 years presenting to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Dysglycemia outcomes are good with early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Kyomugisa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thereza Piloya Were
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Rujumba
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deogratious Munube
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Oriokot Lorraine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health sciences, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7072 Kampala, Uganda
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Thunberg A, Zadutsa B, Phiri E, King C, Langton J, Banda L, Makwenda C, Hildenwall H. Hypoxemia, hypoglycemia and IMCI danger signs in pediatric outpatients in Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000284. [PMID: 36962312 PMCID: PMC10021275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxemia and hypoglycemia are known risks for mortality in children in low-income settings. Routine screening with pulse oximetry and blood glucose assessments for outpatients could assist in early identification of high-risk children. We assessed the prevalence of hypoglycemia and hypoxemia, and the overlap with Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) general danger signs, among children seeking outpatient care in Malawi. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 14 government primary care facilities, four rural hospitals and one district referral hospital in Mchinji district, Malawi from August 2019-April 2020. All children aged 0-12 years seeking care with an acute illness were assessed on one day per month in each facility. Study research assistants measured oxygen saturation using Lifebox LB-01 pulse oximeter and blood glucose was assessed with AccuCheck Aviva glucometers. World Health Organization definitions were used for severe hypoglycemia (<2.5mmol/l) and hypoxemia (SpO2 <90%). Moderate hypoglycemia (2.5-4.0mmol/l) and hypoxemia (SpO2 90-93%) were also calculated and prevalence levels compared between those with and without IMCI danger signs using chi2 tests. In total 2,943 children were enrolled, with a median age of 41 (range: 0-144) months. The prevalence of severe hypoxemia was 0.6% and moderate hypoxemia 5.4%. Severe hypoglycemia was present in 0.1% of children and moderate hypoglycemia in 11.1%. IMCI general danger signs were present in 29.3% of children. All severely hypoglycemic children presented with an IMCI danger sign (p <0.001), but only 23.5% of the severely hypoxemic and 31.7% of the moderately hypoxemic children. We conclude that while the prevalence of severe hypoxemia and hypoglycemia were low, moderate levels were not uncommon and could potentially be useful as an objective tool to determine referral needs. IMCI danger signs identified hypoglycemic children, but results highlight the challenge to detect hypoxemia. Future studies should explore case management strategies for moderate hypoxemia and hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Thunberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm Sweden
| | | | | | - Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, England
| | | | - Lumbani Banda
- Parent and Child Health Initiative, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Helena Hildenwall
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hildenwall H, Ngwalangwa F. Improving management of hypoglycaemia in children. Bull World Health Organ 2021; 99:904-906. [PMID: 34866687 PMCID: PMC8640691 DOI: 10.2471/blt.21.285586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hildenwall
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Paediatric Emergency Care Unit, K 41-43, Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatsani Ngwalangwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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Batte A, Berrens Z, Murphy K, Mufumba I, Sarangam ML, Hawkes MT, Conroy AL. Malaria-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in African Children: Prevalence, Pathophysiology, Impact, and Management Challenges. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2021; 14:235-253. [PMID: 34267538 PMCID: PMC8276826 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s239157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is emerging as a complication of increasing clinical importance associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in African children with severe malaria. Using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria to define AKI, an estimated 24–59% of African children with severe malaria have AKI with most AKI community-acquired. AKI is a risk factor for mortality in pediatric severe malaria with a stepwise increase in mortality across AKI stages. AKI is also a risk factor for post-discharge mortality and is associated with increased long-term risk of neurocognitive impairment and behavioral problems in survivors. Following injury, the kidney undergoes a process of recovery and repair. AKI is an established risk factor for chronic kidney disease and hypertension in survivors and is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease in severe malaria survivors. The magnitude of the risk and contribution of malaria-associated AKI to chronic kidney disease in malaria-endemic areas remains undetermined. Pathways associated with AKI pathogenesis in the context of pediatric severe malaria are not well understood, but there is emerging evidence that immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, and hemolysis-mediated oxidative stress all directly contribute to kidney injury. In this review, we outline the KDIGO bundle of care and highlight how this could be applied in the context of severe malaria to improve kidney perfusion, reduce AKI progression, and improve survival. With increased recognition that AKI in severe malaria is associated with substantial post-discharge morbidity and long-term risk of chronic kidney disease, there is a need to increase AKI recognition through enhanced access to creatinine-based and next-generation biomarker diagnostics. Long-term studies to assess severe malaria-associated AKI’s impact on long-term health in malaria-endemic areas are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Zachary Berrens
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristin Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ivan Mufumba
- CHILD Research Laboratory, Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Michael T Hawkes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Ledger E, Harawa PP, Daniel AI, Candler T, Prentice AM, Bandsma RHJ. Dysglycemia in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr 2020; 12:959-968. [PMID: 33179024 PMCID: PMC8166557 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysglycemia is a common complication of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. Its prevalence and impact on short- and long-term outcomes are not well described. This systematic review was undertaken to review the available evidence on dysglycemia (either hypo- or hyperglycemia) in hospitalized children with SAM. The 2 primary objectives of this systematic review were to understand the prevalence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in children with SAM. A secondary objective was to understand the relation between dysglycemia and clinical outcomes like mortality in children with SAM. MEDLINE was searched with terms related to children, SAM, and dysglycemia. A meta-analysis of proportions was completed to determine the hypoglycemia prevalence and a standard meta-analysis was done to determine the relation between hypoglycemia and mortality. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 2148 articles were identified in the database search of which 16 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review based on screening done by multiple reviewers. The overall prevalence of hypoglycemia in SAM across studies based on the meta-analysis of proportions was 9% (95% CI: 7%, 12%; I2 = 92%). Meta-analysis results showed that hypoglycemia was associated with a higher chance of mortality during hospitalization in children with SAM (OR: 4.29; 95% CI: 3.04, 6.05; I2 = 0%). According to the GRADE evaluation, the certainty of the evidence for the prevalence of hypoglycemia was low and for hyperglycemia was very low. For the relation between hypoglycemia and mortality, the certainty of the evidence was moderate. A meta-analysis was not carried out for the prevalence of hyperglycemia due to the wide range of definitions used for across studies, but the prevalence ranged from 2% to 38% in the literature. This systematic review highlights the need for further work in this area to include serial glucose measurements to understand the clinical importance of dysglycemia during hospitalization in children with SAM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philliness Prisca Harawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi,Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Allison I Daniel
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Toby Candler
- Medical Research Council The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- Medical Research Council The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Robert H J Bandsma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi,Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,The Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network (CHAIN), Nairobi, Kenya
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Baker T, Ngwalangwa F, Masanjala H, Dube Q, Langton J, Marrone G, Hildenwall H. Effect on mortality of increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for initiating hypoglycaemia treatment in severely sick children aged 1 month to 5 years in Malawi (SugarFACT): a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e1546-e1554. [PMID: 33038950 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low blood glucose concentrations are common in sick children who present to hospital in low-resource settings and are associated with increased mortality. The cutoff blood glucose concentration for the diagnosis and treatment of hypoglycaemia currently recommended by WHO (2·5 mmol/L) is not evidence-based. We aimed to assess whether increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for hypoglycaemia treatment in severely ill children at presentation to hospital improves mortality outcomes. METHODS We did a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial at two referral hospitals in Malawi. Severely ill children aged 1 month to 5 years presenting to the emergency department with a capillary blood glucose concentration of between 2·5 mmol/L (3·0 mmol/L in severely malnourished children) and 5·0 mmol/L were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-generated randomisation sequence, stratified by study site and severe malnutrition, to receive either an immediate intravenous bolus of 10% dextrose at 5 mL/kg followed by a 24-h maintenance infusion of 10% dextrose at 100 mL/kg for the first 10 kg of bodyweight, 50 mL/kg for the next 10 kg, and 20 mL/kg for each subsequent kg of bodyweight (intervention group) or observation for a minimum of 60 min and standard care (control group). Participants and study personnel were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality, assessed on an intention-to-treat basis. Safety was also assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02989675. FINDINGS Between Dec 5, 2016, and Jan 22, 2019, 10 947 children were screened, of whom 332 were randomly assigned, and 322 were included in the final analysis (n=162 in the control group and n=160 in the intervention group). The study was terminated after an interim analysis at 24% enrolment indicated futility. The median age of participants was 2·3 years (IQR 1·4-3·2), 65 (45%) were female, and the baseline characteristics of participants were similar between the two groups. The number of in-hospital deaths from any cause was 26 (16%) in the control group and 24 (15%) in the intervention group, with an absolute mortality difference of 1·0% (95% CI -6·9 to 9·0). Serious adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, convulsions, reduced consciousness, and death, were reported in 47 (29%) children in the control group and 39 (24%) children in the intervention group. INTERPRETATION Increasing the cutoff blood glucose concentration for hypoglycaemia treatment in severely sick children in Malawi from 2·5 mmol/L to 5·0 mmol/L did not reduce all-cause in-hospital mortality. Our findings do not support changing the cutoff for dextrose administration, and further research on the optimal management of severely ill children who present to the emergency department with low blood glucose concentrations is warranted. FUNDING Swedish Research Council and Stockholm Country Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Baker
- Health System and Policy, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Fatsani Ngwalangwa
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Henderson Masanjala
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Queen Dube
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Josephine Langton
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gaetano Marrone
- Health System and Policy, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Hildenwall
- Health System and Policy, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi; Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Vandermosten L, Vanhorebeek I, De Bosscher K, Opdenakker G, Van den Steen PE. Critical Roles of Endogenous Glucocorticoids for Disease Tolerance in Malaria. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:918-930. [PMID: 31606404 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During malaria, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated and glucocorticoid (GC) levels are increased, but their essential roles have been largely overlooked. GCs are decisive for systemic regulation of vital processes such as immune responses, vascular function, and metabolism, which are crucial in malaria. Here, we introduce GCs in general, followed by their versatile roles for disease tolerance in malaria. A complementary comparison is provided with their role in sepsis. Finally, potential translational implications are considered. The failed clinical trials of dexamethasone against cerebral malaria in the past have diminished the interest in GCs in malaria. However, the issue of relative corticosteroid insufficiency has barely been explored in malaria patients, but may hold promise for a better understanding and treatment of specific malaria complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Vandermosten
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Vanhorebeek
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research Laboratory, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, UGent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe E Van den Steen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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