Prevalence and risk factors of gross neurologic deficits in children after severe malaria: a systematic review protocol
Author:
Okullo Allen Eva1ORCID, John Chandy C.2, Idro Richard3, Conroy Andrea L.2, Kinengyere Alison Annet4, Ojiambo Kevin Ouma3, Otike Caroline5, Ouma Simple3, Ocan Moses3, Obuku Ekwaro A.6, Hensbroek Michaël Boele van1
Affiliation:
1. University of Amsterdam Faculty of Medicine: Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC 2. Indiana University School of Medicine 3. Makerere University Faculty of Medicine: Makerere University College of Health Sciences 4. Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library: Makerere University College of Health Sciences 5. JCRC HQ - Lubowa: Joint Clinical Research Center 6. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Children exposed to severe malaria may recover with gross neurologic deficits (GND). Several risk factors for GND after cerebral malaria (CM), the deadliest form of severe malaria, have been identified in children. However, there is inconsistency between previously reported and more recent findings. Although CM patients are the most likely group to develop GND, it is not clear if other forms of severe malaria (non-CM) may also contribute to the malaria related GND. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize evidence on the prevalence and risk factors for GND in children following CM and map the changes in patterns over time. In addition, this review will synthesize evidence on the reported prevalence and risk factors of gross neurologic deficits following other forms of severe malaria.
Methods
The systematic review will be conducted according to recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA-P). Relevant research articles will be identified using relevant search terms from the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus (GIM). The articles will be screened at title and abstract, then at full text for inclusion using a priori eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be done using a tool developed and optimized in Excel spreadsheet. Risk of bias assessment will be done using appropriate tools including ROBINS-E (‘Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure’) tool, while publication bias will be assessed using funnel plot. A random-effects meta-analysis and structured narrative synthesis of the outcomes will be performed and results presented.
Discussion
Findings from this systematic review will inform policy makers on planning, design and implementation of interventions targeting the treatment and rehabilitation of GND following severe malaria in children.
Systematic review registration:
The protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42022297109.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference32 articles.
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