The natural history of complicated falciparum malaria--a prospective study.

This is the first prospective study that provides the clinical evidence that complicated malaria represents a hierarchical continuum of abnormalities resulting from malaria infection. All complications developed within 5 days (median 72 hrs, range-2 to l20 hrs.) of onset of fever. Pre-pernicious stage had been recognised in cases of cerebral malaria. Each complication is unique in its onset and recovery time. Not only the number but also the type of complication influences the outcome of complicated malaria.