Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J Vincent.
Kingella (Moraxella) kingii, a gram-negative bacillus, was isolated as the cause of septic knee arthritis in an adult. Three previous cases (1 adult and 2 children) of septic arthritis due to Moraxella species have been reported. All cases have been characterized by difficulty in identifying the organism, indolent clinical course and slow response to antibiotic treatment.
BACKGROUND: Exchange transfusion as an adjunct to the treatment of severe falciparum malaria has been widely recommended, although there is no well-designed clinical trial to prove its efficacy. The amount of compatible blood required for total exchange is rarely available in areas endemic for malaria and the risks of the procedure including transfusion-related infections are high. METHODS: Partial transfusion with four units of blood was given to a patient with severe falciparum malaria (80% parasitaemia) whose condition deteriorated on conventional treatment with intravenous quinine. RESULTS: This brought about prompt clinical improvement and reduction in parasitaemia. CONCLUSION: Partial transfusion with one or two litres of blood is a promising and viable alternative to total exchange transfusion.