Coexisting Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and Falciparum Malaria in A 16-Year-Old Female: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Abstract

This  study  highlights  the  complexities  of  overlapping  life-threatening  conditions—acute respiratory  distress  syndrome  (ARDS),  Guillain-Barré  syndrome  (GBS),  and  falciparum malaria—that must be diagnosed and managed in resource-poor settings. A 16-year old young girl presented with 7day history of fever, diarrhea, lower limb weakness, and rectal bleeding. Initial  screening  confirmed  Plasmodium  falciparum  malaria.  She  subsequently  developed ARDS and GBS, evidenced by albuminocytologic dissociation of cerebrospinal fluid. In spite of mechanical ventilation, intravenous artesunate, and corticosteroids, the patient deteriorated and died on day 8. The case points to the necessity of early diagnosis of GBS in malaria-endemic  regions  and  advocates  for  multidisciplinary  approaches  in  resource-constrained environments.