Recent trends in management of malaria in pregnancy

Malaria remains a significant causal factor in both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in this environment though it is essentially preventable. There are increasing incidence rates worldwide, including those areas of the world where, hitherto, malaria infection was rare. More women than before now present with clinical malaria in pregnancy with both obstetric and non-obstetric complications, including severe anaemia, IUGR, miscarriage etc. Recent rapid diagnostic tests are available, more sensitive and specific than microscopy but their applications are limited in scope. Antimalarial Combination Therapy (ACT), Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT), Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), good and adequate antenatal (ANC), intraparturn and postpartum care will ensure optimal health and reduction in the incidence rate of malaria infection in pregnancy. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 7(2) 2006: 116-12