[Malaria in splenectomized patients. Three fatal cases].

INTRODUCTION: Splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, is increasingly practiced in malaria-endemic tropical countries. The procedure leaves patients more susceptible to serious bacterial and parasitic infections, including malaria. CASES: We report here three fatal cases of malaria from P. falciparum in splenectomized patients. One operation followed abdominal trauma, while the other two were performed to treat one large-cell and one B-cell lymphoma. Despite prolonged intravenous quinine treatment all three patients died. DISCUSSION: Malaria in splenectomized patients can be very serious and is fatal in half the cases transmitted by P. falciparum. Permanent chemoprophylaxis is required for these patients when they travel to or live in endemic areas.