Cardiovascular Risk from Altered Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in Children with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Owo, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Malaria, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in sub-Saharan Africa, has been shown to impact various biochemical parameters, including lipid metabolism.Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent species, has been implicated in altering lipid profiles, which may transiently increase cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile and atherogenic indices in children with uncomplicatedP. falciparum infection.Materials and Methods: A total of 183 children aged 6 months to 12 years were enrolled, comprising 133 malaria-infected and 50 uninfected subjects. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) using the Spectrophotometric method. Atherogenic indices: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli risk index I & II (CRI-I, CRI-II), and atherogenic coefficient (AC) were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Malaria-infected children had significantly lower (p<0.05) mean values of total cholesterol and HDLC. AIP, CRI-II, and AC were significantly higher in malaria-infected children than in uninfected subjects. The LDL level showed no significant increase, while CRI-I remained statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Uncomplicated P. falciparum infection in children is associated with significant alterations in lipid metabolism, particularly reduced HDL and increased atherogenic indices. The risk may resolve upon successful treatment of the infection, but the significantly adverse shift in these indices during the acute phase suggests a profound, although temporary, elevation of cardiovascular risk, even in children. Routine lipid monitoring should be incorporated into malaria management protocols in children with malaria infection.