Malaria
Other Treatment
Exchange blood transfusions
Exchange blood transfusions may be considered for treating severe cases of malaria if:
- The percentage of blood cells infected with the parasite (parasite density) is greater than 5%.
- You have altered mental capacity (severe confusion) due to the malaria infection.
- You have lung or kidney complications.
Exchange blood transfusion is the quickest way to remove parasites. This procedure involves withdrawing blood from you at the same time that donor blood is being injected. During this exchange, the amount of blood in your body stays constant. Quinidine gluconate is given by needle into a vein (intravenously) at the same time as the blood transfusion. Parasite density is checked every 12 hours until it is less than 1%.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: May 16, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
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