XVII · CICM examiner pearls Severe Falciparum Malaria17 / 18
Top 10 — what the
examiners want.
#1
Never delay artesunate
Start immediately — don't wait for species ID
#2
Films are gold standard
Thick + thin · ×3 · 12 h apart
#3
Severe = organ dysfunction
WHO criteria verbatim — not just parasitaemia
#4
Early airway control
GCS ≤8 → RSI and intubate
#5
Conservative fluids
FEAST trial — boluses increase mortality
#6
Repeat parasite counts
12-hourly until clearance confirmed
#7
Hourly glucose
Mandatory throughout ICU admission
#8
MOF = ICU syndromes
Ventilate · CRRT · vasopressors
#9
Exchange Tx — not routine
No evidence · will cost marks
#10
Delayed haemolysis
4-week monitoring post-artesunate
CICM Fellowship Masterclass · 2026Dr Timothy Chimunda FCICM