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El efecto de Plasmodium falciparum en la cognición: un repaso sistemático
Author(s) -
Kihara Michael,
Carter Julie A.,
Newton Charles R. J. C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01579.x
Subject(s) - psycinfo , cognition , malaria , medline , cerebral malaria , plasmodium falciparum , medicine , executive functions , systematic review , clinical psychology , affect (linguistics) , psychology , psychiatry , immunology , biology , biochemistry , communication
Summary Objective Systematic review to investigate the relationship between Plasmodium falciparum infection and cognitive function. Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO, and hand‐searched journals and PhD theses. The inclusion criteria were (1) use of standardized tests for the specific populations and/or appropriate controls; (2) clear differentiation between children and adults. Eighteen studies were eligible, of which three gave information on all cognitive domains considered in the review. Results Deficits in attention, memory, visuo‐spatial skills, language and executive functions may occur after malaria infection. These deficits are not only caused by cerebral falciparum malaria, but also appear to occur in less severe infections. P. falciparum seems to affect the brain globally, not in a localised fashion. Outcome depends on both biological and social risk factors. Conclusion Future research should seek to establish the extent of these cognitive deficits using culturally appropriate techniques and well‐defined criteria of disease.