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Does a relationship exist between Plasma and Cerebrospinal fluid Beta-endorphin Levels and Prognostic Factors in Nigerian Children with Cerebral Malaria?.

Oseni Saheed BA, Olorunmoteni Oluwatosin E*, Adeodu Oluwagbemiga O, Obuotor Efere O

Background: Cerebral malaria is the most lethal form of malaria for which various prognostic factors have been described in earlier studies. This study aimed to determine the relationship between beta (β)-endorphin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of children with cerebral malaria at Ile-Ife, Nigeria and some identified poor prognostic factors of the disease.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Children Emergency Ward of a Nigerian tertiary hospital (Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria) Forty children with cerebral malaria were studied. We measured the CSF and plasma levels of β-endorphins and determined their relationship with some identified poor prognostic factors of cerebral malaria.

Results: The mean plasma β-endorphin level was significantly higher in subjects with low serum bicarbonate compared with those with normal levels (p = 0.029). Higher mean plasma and CSF β-endorphin levels were found in patients with profound coma, respiratory distress, abnormal pupillary reaction, abnormal posturing and the presence of retinal changes than those without these characteristics.

Conclusion: The higher mean β-endorphin levels in children with some poor prognostic factors of CM suggest a role of β-endorphin in the prognosis of CM. Further studies with a larger population are suggested to establish this role.