In 2022, there were 249 million cases of malaria globally, resulting in 608,000 deaths. The majority of cases and deaths occurred in the WHO (World Health Organization) African Region. A study in our region found that, out of 263,476 individuals, 148,734 had P. falciparum, 106,946 had P. vivax, and 7,796 had mixed infections. The prevalence of P. falciparum (Plasmodium falciparum) was 8.97% and P. vivax (Plasmodium Vivax) was 7.94%. Although there have been a few reported cases of cerebral malaria caused by P. vivax, there is currently no comprehensive analysis of such cases. All the cases that have been reported so far involved individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, who presented with symptoms characteristic of cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria was diagnosed based on the clinical algorithm which WHO used except we used P. vivax instead of P. falciparum The diagnosis of these cases was confirmed through thin blood film examination and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). Therefore, this report aims to provide additional data on the occurrence of P. vivax as a cause of cerebral malaria. It also recommends further studies to reassess the current clinical case definition of cerebral malaria mainly in endemic areas as it affects patient treatment outcome.

Background: Despite its severity, there has been a lack of adequate study on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Ethiopia. This study assessed the clinical profile and determinant factors contributing to renal disease progression. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 114 patients for 6 years in Addis Ababa. Patients with ADPKD who had follow-up visits at two health centers were included. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 42.7 ± 12.7 years, with 43% reporting a positive family history of ADPKD. Approximately 22 patients (20%) developed end-stage renal disease, and 12 patients died. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at the initial visit was 72.4 mL/min/1.73 m². The key risk factors associated with disease progression included younger age at diagnosis [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.98; p = 0.007], male gender (aOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3–15.95, p = 0.017), higher baseline systolic blood pressure (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10, p = 0.026), and the presence of comorbidities (aOR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.10–14.33, p = 0.037). The progression of renal disease in ADPKD patients significantly correlates with age at diagnosis, gender, presence of comorbidities, and higher baseline systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early detection and management of hypertension and comorbidities in ADPKD patients to mitigate disease progression and improve treatment outcomes.

The journal retracts the article entitled “Determinants of Disease Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease“