Table 1 Definition of the severe malaria criteria

Impaired consciousness

A Glasgow coma score < 11 in adults

Multiple convulsions

More than two episodes within 24 h

Hypoglycaemia

Blood or plasma glucose < 2.2 mmol/L (< 40 mg/dL)

Severe malarial anaemia

Haemoglobin concentration < 7 g/dL and < 20%, respectively, in adults

Renal impairment

Plasma or serum creatinine > 265 µmol/L (3 mg/dL) or blood urea > 20 mmol/L

Jaundice

Plasma or serum bilirubin > 50 µmol/L (3 mg/dL) with a parasite count > 100,000/µL

Significant bleeding

Including recurrent or prolonged bleeding from the nose, gums or venepuncture sites; haematemesis or melaena

Shock

Decompensated shock is defined as systolic blood pressure of < 80 mmHg in adults, with evidence of impaired perfusion (cool peripheries or prolonged capillary refill)