Risk Factors of Collin et al for Death in Patients with Kala-Azar from the Southern Sudan

 

Possible correlations between social conflict and poor survival from an infectious disease:

(1) malnutrition and associated compromise of immunity

(2) deterioration in vector control

(3) adequate medical care and medicines not available

 

Risk factors for death in adults with kala-azar:

(1) age >= 45 years

(2) malnutrition (BMI < 13 kg per square meter)

(3) anemia (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL)

(4) duration of illness >= 5 months

 

Risk factors for death in children with kala-azar:

(1) age < 2 years

(2) malnutrition (weight for height < 60% of predicted)

(3) anemia (hemoglobin < 6 g/dL)

(4) splenomegaly (I would expect in most patients with kala-azar)

 

Additional risk factors for death:

(1) diarrhea

(2) vomiting

(3) bleeding