Prevalence, risk factors and effects of placental malaria in the UMTH, Maiduguri, North-eastern, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

SUMMARY: Most of the adverse effects of malaria in pregnancy on the fetus are usually as a consequence of placental malaria (PM). This study was conducted with the objective of determining the prevalence, risk factors and pregnancy outcome of PM. A cross-sectional study of 437 pregnant women who delivered at the UMTH, Maiduguri was conducted between 24 July 2007 and 12 January 2008. Placental histology was done for the malaria parasite. Maternal packed cell volume was done and thick blood films were studied for the malaria parasite in maternal peripheral blood and the cord blood/heel prick of their babies. The prevalence of PM was 33.9% (148/437). It is associated with non-usage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPT) and maternal HIV infection. PM in turn predisposes to low birth weight and cord parasitaemia. Only 2.8% of the women were sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). The high prevalence of PM calls for renewed efforts for preventive measures, particularly the routine use of IPT and ITN during the antenatal period.