Life-threatening ascariasis complication in 4-year-old indigenous child: prevention is better than cure

Abdullah, Fa’iza and Yusoff, Yuhin Asadulhaq and Kamal Ariffin, Khairina Adliah (2023) Life-threatening ascariasis complication in 4-year-old indigenous child: prevention is better than cure. Medical Journal of Malaysia Case Reports, 2 (2). pp. 125-129. ISSN 2948-3859

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Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths account for a major burden of parasitic disease worldwide. It is particularly endemic in tropical and underdeveloped countries and mainly infects children who live in poor sanitary conditions, poverty, and poor education. We present a case of a 4-year-old Orang Asli (OA) girl who presented to the emergency department (ED) with vomiting, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension. On examination, she was dehydrated and had generalized abdominal tenderness and rigidity with reduced bowel sounds. A plain abdominal radiograph (AXR) and ultrasonography suspected the diagnosis of appendicitis with perforation and revealed roaming intestinal worms possibly causing an intestinal obstruction (IO). Emergency exploratory laparotomy, appendicectomy, and bowel decompression were performed. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics and oral albendazole post-operatively and was discharged on the sixth day of admission. In Malaysia, ascariasis remains highly prevalent in the OA community, which is attributed to inadequate hygiene care and poor sanitary conditions. Prevention of worm infestation is essential in reducing the risk of complications. It can be achieved by scheduled deworming programs. Clinical consultations and home visits from primary care providers are essential in educating, monitoring, and ensuring periodic deworming to this community, hence preventing life-threatening worm infestation complications. It also helps improve OA children's nutrition status and good-condition growth.

Item Type:	Article (Case Report)
Additional Information:	5838/106602
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	SR NUR FARHANA LATFI
Date Deposited:	14 Sep 2023 21:29
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2023 21:29
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/106602

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