Background: Blackwater fever (BWF) is a rare but serious complication of malaria that is a consequence of antimalarial treatment. Its prevalence seems to have increased. Its diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and urine color. We report on 4 BWF cases admitted to the infectious diseases department of Zinder National Hospital.
Results: Four patients were hospitalized in September 2017 for a hepatorenal syndrome of jaundice, port wine-colored urine, renal failure, and hepatic cytolysis following antimalarial treatment with quinine salts. Quinine treatment was stopped and treatment was continued with injectable artemether. Three patients underwent extra-renal purification. Their evolution was favorable. One patient died less than 24 hours after admission.
Conclusion: A rare and severe complication, blackwater fever must be considered for patients under antimalarial treatment who present with jaundice, abdominal pain, and acute renal insufficiency with port wine-colored urine. Rapid diagnosis and management in an intensive care unit are crucial for improving the prognosis.