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Ranjit A, Wylie BJ. Malaria in Pregnancy, Current Challenges, and Emerging Prevention Strategies in a Warming Climate. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 67:620-632. [PMID: 39061127 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Malaria still presents a grave threat to the health of pregnancies worldwide with prevention currently stalling as traditional control and prevention strategies are limited by both insecticide and drug resistance. Furthermore, climate change is bringing malaria to locations where it was once eradicated and intensifying malaria in other areas. Even where malaria is not currently common, obstetricians will need to understand the pathogenesis of the disease, how it is transmitted, methods for prevention and treatment in pregnancy, and promising emerging strategies such as vaccines. A renewed global response is needed for this age-old disease in which pregnancy poses specific susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Ranjit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Blair J Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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Mlugu EM, Minzi OMS, Johansson M, Kamuhabwa AAR, Aklillu E. Pharmacokinetics of piperaquine and its association with intermittent malaria preventive therapy outcomes during pregnancy. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 25:38. [PMID: 38978151 PMCID: PMC11229336 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) recently showed superior effectiveness over sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). We investigated day 7 piperaquine pharmacokinetics and its therapeutic efficacy in preventing malaria during pregnancy. METHODS Malaria-free (mRDT) pregnant women (n = 400) who received monthly IPTp-DHP were enrolled and followed till delivery. Day 7 Plasma piperaquine concentrations were determined after each IPTp dose using UPLC/MS/MS. IPTp outcomes (symptomatic malaria and parasitemia during pregnancy, placental malaria, and maternal malaria at delivery) were monitored. Linear mixed model and Cox regression were used to assess predictors of day 7 piperaquine concentration and treatment outcome, respectively. RESULTS The incidences of symptomatic malaria and parasitemia during pregnancy per 100 person-year at risk were 2 and 33, respectively. The prevalence of histopathologically confirmed placental malaria and maternal malaria at delivery were 3% and 9.8%, respectively. Repeated monthly IPTp-DHP resulted in significantly increased day 7 plasma piperaquine concentration (p < 0.001). Following the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd monthly IPTp-DHP doses, the proportions of women with day 7 piperaquine concentration below the therapeutic threshold (< 30 ng/mL) were 6.1%, 4.1% and 3.6%, respectively. Factors such as maternal age, body weight and trimester were not significant predictors of day 7 piperaquine concentration. However, having a low day 7 piperaquine plasma concentration (< 30 ng/mL) was significantly associated with a higher risk of parasitemia during pregnancy (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Lower day 7 piperaquine plasma concentration is a risk factor for parasitemia during pregnancy. Single plasma sampling at day 7 can be used to monitor piperaquine effectiveness during IPTp-DHP. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered 09/12/2016, PACTR201612001901313.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulambius M Mlugu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Omary M S Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mats Johansson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, 141 86, Sweden
| | - Appolinary A R Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lee JJ, Kakuru A, Jacobson KB, Kamya MR, Kajubi R, Ranjit A, Gaw SL, Parsonnet J, Benjamin-Chung J, Dorsey G, Jagannathan P, Roh ME. Monthly Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine During Pregnancy Prevents Febrile Respiratory Illnesses: A Secondary Analysis of a Malaria Chemoprevention Trial in Uganda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae143. [PMID: 38585183 PMCID: PMC10995957 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Trials evaluating antimalarials for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) have shown that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is a more efficacious antimalarial than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP); however, SP is associated with higher birthweight, suggesting that SP demonstrates "nonmalarial" effects. Chemoprevention of nonmalarial febrile illnesses (NMFIs) was explored as a possible mechanism. Methods In this secondary analysis, we leveraged data from 654 pregnant Ugandan women without HIV infection who participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing monthly IPTp-SP with IPTp-DP. Women were enrolled between 12 and 20 gestational weeks and followed through delivery. NMFIs were measured by active and passive surveillance and defined by the absence of malaria parasitemia. We quantified associations among IPTp regimens, incident NMFIs, antibiotic prescriptions, and birthweight. Results Mean "birthweight for gestational age" Z scores were 0.189 points (95% CI, .045-.333) higher in women randomized to IPTp-SP vs IPTp-DP. Women randomized to IPTp-SP had fewer incident NMFIs (incidence rate ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, .58-.95), mainly respiratory NMFIs (incidence rate ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, .48-1.00), vs IPTp-DP. Counterintuitively, respiratory NMFI incidence was positively correlated with birthweight in multigravidae. In total 75% of respiratory NMFIs were treated with antibiotics. Although overall antibiotic prescriptions were similar between arms, for each antibiotic prescribed, "birthweight for gestational age" Z scores increased by 0.038 points (95% CI, .001-.074). Conclusions Monthly IPTp-SP was associated with reduced respiratory NMFI incidence, revealing a potential nonmalarial mechanism of SP and supporting current World Health Organization recommendations for IPTp-SP, even in areas with high-grade SP resistance. While maternal respiratory NMFIs are known risk factors of lower birthweight, most women in our study were presumptively treated with antibiotics, masking the potential benefit of SP on birthweight mediated through preventing respiratory NMFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan John Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karen B Jacobson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Vaccine Study Center, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Kajubi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anju Ranjit
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie Parsonnet
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jade Benjamin-Chung
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michelle E Roh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Barsosio HC, Madanitsa M, Ondieki ED, Dodd J, Onyango ED, Otieno K, Wang D, Hill J, Mwapasa V, Phiri KS, Maleta K, Taegtmeyer M, Kariuki S, Schmiegelow C, Gutman JR, Ter Kuile FO. Chemoprevention for malaria with monthly intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in pregnant women living with HIV on daily co-trimoxazole in Kenya and Malawi: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2024; 403:365-378. [PMID: 38224710 PMCID: PMC10865779 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of daily co-trimoxazole, an antifolate used for malaria chemoprevention in pregnant women living with HIV, is threatened by cross-resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to the antifolate sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. We assessed whether addition of monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to daily co-trimoxazole is more effective at preventing malaria infection than monthly placebo plus daily co-trimoxazole in pregnant women living with HIV. METHODS We did an individually randomised, two-arm, placebo-controlled trial in areas with high-grade sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in Kenya and Malawi. Pregnant women living with HIV on dolutegravir-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) who had singleton pregnancies between 16 weeks' and 28 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned (1:1) by computer-generated block randomisation, stratified by site and HIV status (known positive vs newly diagnosed), to daily co-trimoxazole plus monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (three tablets of 40 mg dihydroartemisinin and 320 mg piperaquine given daily for 3 days) or daily co-trimoxazole plus monthly placebo. Daily co-trimoxazole consisted of one tablet of 160 mg sulfamethoxazole and 800 mg trimethoprim. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Plasmodium infection detected in the peripheral (maternal) or placental (maternal) blood or tissue by PCR, microscopy, rapid diagnostic test, or placental histology (active infection) from 2 weeks after the first dose of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or placebo to delivery. Log-binomial regression was used for binary outcomes, and Poisson regression for count outcomes. The primary analysis was by modified intention to treat, consisting of all randomised eligible participants with primary endpoint data. The safety analysis included all women who received at least one dose of study drug. All investigators, laboratory staff, data analysts, and participants were masked to treatment assignment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04158713. FINDINGS From Nov 11, 2019, to Aug 3, 2021, 904 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (n=448) or co-trimoxazole plus placebo (n=456), of whom 895 (99%) contributed to the primary analysis (co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, n=443; co-trimoxazole plus placebo, n=452). The cumulative risk of any malaria infection during pregnancy or delivery was lower in the co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group than in the co-trimoxazole plus placebo group (31 [7%] of 443 women vs 70 [15%] of 452 women, risk ratio 0·45, 95% CI 0·30-0·67; p=0·0001). The incidence of any malaria infection during pregnancy or delivery was 25·4 per 100 person-years in the co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group versus 77·3 per 100 person-years in the co-trimoxazole plus placebo group (incidence rate ratio 0·32, 95% CI 0·22-0·47, p<0·0001). The number needed to treat to avert one malaria infection per pregnancy was 7 (95% CI 5-10). The incidence of serious adverse events was similar between groups in mothers (17·7 per 100 person-years in the co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group [23 events] vs 17·8 per 100 person-years in the co-trimoxazole group [25 events]) and infants (45·4 per 100 person-years [23 events] vs 40·2 per 100 person-years [21 events]). Nausea within the first 4 days after the start of treatment was reported by 29 (7%) of 446 women in the co-trimoxazole plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group versus 12 (3%) of 445 women in the co-trimoxazole plus placebo group. The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes did not differ between groups. INTERPRETATION Addition of monthly intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to the standard of care with daily unsupervised co-trimoxazole in areas of high antifolate resistance substantially improves malaria chemoprevention in pregnant women living with HIV on dolutegravir-based cART and should be considered for policy. FUNDING European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 2; UK Joint Global Health Trials Scheme (UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Medical Research Council; National Institute for Health Research; Wellcome); and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen C Barsosio
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Mwayiwawo Madanitsa
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Everlyne D Ondieki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Dodd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric D Onyango
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kephas Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Phiri KS, Khairallah C, Kwambai TK, Bojang K, Dhabangi A, Opoka R, Idro R, Stepniewska K, van Hensbroek MB, John CC, Robberstad B, Greenwood B, Kuile FOT. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children admitted with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic settings in Africa: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e33-e44. [PMID: 38097295 PMCID: PMC10733130 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anaemia is associated with high in-hospital mortality among young children. In malaria-endemic areas, surviving children also have an increased risk of mortality or readmission after hospital discharge. We conducted a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children recovering from severe anaemia. METHODS This analysis was conducted according to PRISMA-IPD guidelines. We searched multiple databases on Aug 28, 2023, without date or language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials comparing monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention with placebo or standard of care among children (aged <15 years) admitted with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic Africa. Trials using daily or weekly malaria prophylaxis were not eligible. The investigators from all eligible trials shared pseudonymised datasets, which were standardised and merged for analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the intervention period. Analyses were performed in the modified intention-to-treat population, including all randomly assigned participants who contributed to the endpoint. Fixed-effects two-stage meta-analysis of risk ratios (RRs) was used to generate pooled effect estimates for mortality. Recurrent time-to-event data (readmissions or clinic visits) were analysed using one-stage mixed-effects Prentice-Williams-Peterson total-time models to obtain hazard ratios (HRs). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022308791. FINDINGS Our search identified 91 articles, of which 78 were excluded by title and abstract, and a further ten did not meet eligibility criteria. Three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, including 3663 children with severe anaemia, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis; 3507 (95·7%) contributed to the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Participants received monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine until the end of the malaria transmission season (mean 3·1 courses per child [range 1-6]; n=1085; The Gambia), monthly artemether-lumefantrine given at the end of weeks 4 and 8 post discharge (n=1373; Malawi), or monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine given at the end of weeks 2, 6, and 10 post discharge (n=1049; Uganda and Kenya). During the intervention period, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention was associated with a 77% reduction in mortality (RR 0·23 [95% CI 0·08-0·70], p=0·0094, I2=0%) and a 55% reduction in all-cause readmissions (HR 0·45 [95% CI 0·36-0·56], p<0·0001) compared with placebo. The protective effect was restricted to the intervention period and was not sustained after the direct pharmacodynamic effect of the drugs had waned. The small number of trials limited our ability to assess heterogeneity, its sources, and publication bias. INTERPRETATION In malaria-endemic Africa, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention reduces mortality and readmissions in recently discharged children recovering from severe anaemia. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention could be a valuable strategy for the management of this group at high risk. Future research should focus on methods of delivery, options to prolong the protection duration, other hospitalised groups at high risk, and interventions targeting non-malarial causes of post-discharge morbidity. FUNDING The Research-Council of Norway and the Bill-&-Melinda-Gates-Foundation through the Worldwide-Antimalarial-Research-Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamija S Phiri
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi; Training and Research Unit of Excellence, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Titus K Kwambai
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kalifa Bojang
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Aga Khan University, Medical College, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Boele van Hensbroek
- Amsterdam Centre for Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Brian Greenwood
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
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Muthoka EN, Usmael K, Embaye SM, Abebe A, Mesfin T, Kazembe D, Ahmedin M, Namuganza S, Kahabuka M, Atim MG, Manyazewal T. Safety and tolerability of repeated doses of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: a systematic review and an aggregated data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Malar J 2023; 22:320. [PMID: 37865784 PMCID: PMC10590517 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria infection during pregnancy is an important cause of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity with the greatest effect being concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. In areas of moderate to high malaria transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the administration of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to be given to all pregnant women at each scheduled antenatal care visit at monthly intervals. However, there is concern that increased resistance has compromised its effectiveness. This has led to a need for evaluation of alternatives to SP for IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) emerging as a very promising candidate. Thus, this systematic review and aggregated data meta-analysis was conducted to establish the safety and tolerability of repeated doses with DP in IPTp. METHODS A systematic review and aggregated data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed by searching electronic databases of PubMed, Science Direct, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar. RCTs comparing IPTp DP versus recommended standard treatment for IPTp with these outcome measures were analyzed; change in QTc interval, serious adverse events (SAE), grade 3 or 4 adverse events possibly related to study drug and vomiting within 30 min after study drug administration. The search was performed up to 24th June 2023. Data was extracted from eligible studies and an aggregated data meta-analysis was carried out with data pooled as risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using RevMan software (5.4). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022310041. RESULTS Six RCTs involving 7969 participants were included in this systematic review and aggregated data meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that DP was associated with a change from baseline of the QTc interval although this change was not associated with cardiotoxicity. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of occurrence of SAEs among participants in both treatment groups (RR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.52-1.24], P = 0.32). However, significant difference was observed in grade 3 or 4 AEs possibly related to study drug where analysis showed that subjects on IPT DP were statistically significantly more likely to experience an AE possibly related to study drug than subjects on IPT SP (RR = 6.65, 95% CI [1.18-37.54], P = 0.03) and in vomiting within 30 min after study drug administration where analysis showed that the risk of vomiting is statistically significantly higher in subjects receiving IPT DP than in subjects receiving IPT SP (RR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.02-3.07], P = 0.04). CONCLUSION DP was associated with a higher risk of grade 3 or 4 AEs possibly related to study drug and a higher risk of vomiting within 30 min after study drug administration. However, these were experienced in a very small percentage of women and did not affect adherence to study drugs. DP was also better tolerated in these studies as compared to most alternatives that have been proposed to replace SP which have proved to be too poorly tolerated in IPTp use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Nthenya Muthoka
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Tororo General Hospital, Tororo, Uganda.
| | - Kedir Usmael
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, P.O. Box 1362, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Saba Mehari Embaye
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abigiya Abebe
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, P.O Box 1271, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Mesfin
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- St. Peter Specialised Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dorothy Kazembe
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme, Chichiri, P.O Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Mediha Ahmedin
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma Center, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, P.O Box 1271, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Stella Namuganza
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Monica Kahabuka
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Kibong'oto Infectious Disease Hospital, Mae Street, Lomakaa Road, P.O Box 12, Moshi-Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
| | - Mary Gorret Atim
- Kawempe National Referral Hospital, P.O Box 3253, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Muthiani Y, Hunter PJ, Näsänen-Gilmore PK, Koivu AM, Isojärvi J, Luoma J, Salenius M, Hadji M, Ashorn U, Ashorn P. Antenatal interventions to reduce risk of low birth weight related to maternal infections during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117 Suppl 2:S118-S133. [PMID: 37331759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal infections during pregnancy have been linked to increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), and stillbirth (SB). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article was to summarize evidence from published literature on the effect of key interventions targeting maternal infections on adverse birth outcomes. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL Complete between March 2020 and May 2020 with an update to cover until August 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reviews of RCTs of 15 antenatal interventions for pregnant women reporting LBW, PTB, SGA, or SB as outcomes. RESULTS Of the 15 reviewed interventions, the administration of 3 or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine [IPTp-SP; RR: 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.94)] can reduce risk of LBW compared with 2 doses. The provision of insecticide-treated bed nets, periodontal treatment, and screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria may reduce risk of LBW. Maternal viral influenza vaccination, treatment of bacterial vaginosis, intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared with IPTp-SP, and intermittent screening and treatment of malaria during pregnancy compared with IPTp were deemed unlikely to reduce the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS At present, there is limited evidence from RCTs available for some potentially relevant interventions targeting maternal infections, which could be prioritized for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Muthiani
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Patricia J Hunter
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Pieta K Näsänen-Gilmore
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annariina M Koivu
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jaana Isojärvi
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juho Luoma
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Meeri Salenius
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maryam Hadji
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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8
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Kakuru A, Jagannathan P. Can we reduce malaria in pregnancy and improve birth outcomes? Lancet 2023; 401:973-975. [PMID: 36913960 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University, Tororo, Uganda.
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Madanitsa M, Barsosio HC, Minja DTR, Mtove G, Kavishe RA, Dodd J, Saidi Q, Onyango ED, Otieno K, Wang D, Ashorn U, Hill J, Mukerebe C, Gesase S, Msemo OA, Mwapasa V, Phiri KS, Maleta K, Klein N, Magnussen P, Lusingu JPA, Kariuki S, Mosha JF, Alifrangis M, Hansson H, Schmiegelow C, Gutman JR, Chico RM, Ter Kuile FO. Effect of monthly intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine with and without azithromycin versus monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on adverse pregnancy outcomes in Africa: a double-blind randomised, partly placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2023; 401:1020-1036. [PMID: 36913959 PMCID: PMC10063957 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is more effective than IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine at reducing malaria infection during pregnancy in areas with high-grade resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine by Plasmodium falciparum in east Africa. We aimed to assess whether IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, alone or combined with azithromycin, can reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. METHODS We did an individually randomised, double-blind, three-arm, partly placebo-controlled trial in areas of high sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania. HIV-negative women with a viable singleton pregnancy were randomly assigned (1:1:1) by computer-generated block randomisation, stratified by site and gravidity, to receive monthly IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (500 mg of sulfadoxine and 25 mg of pyrimethamine for 1 day), monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (dosed by weight; three to five tablets containing 40 mg of dihydroartemisinin and 320 mg of piperaquine once daily for 3 consecutive days) plus a single treatment course of placebo, or monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus a single treatment course of azithromycin (two tablets containing 500 mg once daily for 2 consecutive days). Outcome assessors in the delivery units were masked to treatment group. The composite primary endpoint was adverse pregnancy outcome, defined as fetal loss, adverse newborn baby outcomes (small for gestational age, low birthweight, or preterm), or neonatal death. The primary analysis was by modified intention to treat, consisting of all randomised participants with primary endpoint data. Women who received at least one dose of study drug were included in the safety analyses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03208179. FINDINGS From March-29, 2018, to July 5, 2019, 4680 women (mean age 25·0 years [SD 6·0]) were enrolled and randomly assigned: 1561 (33%; mean age 24·9 years [SD 6·1]) to the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group, 1561 (33%; mean age 25·1 years [6·1]) to the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group, and 1558 (33%; mean age 24·9 years [6.0]) to the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus azithromycin group. Compared with 335 (23·3%) of 1435 women in the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group, the primary composite endpoint of adverse pregnancy outcomes was reported more frequently in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group (403 [27·9%] of 1442; risk ratio 1·20, 95% CI 1·06-1·36; p=0·0040) and in the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus azithromycin group (396 [27·6%] of 1433; 1·16, 1·03-1·32; p=0·017). The incidence of serious adverse events was similar in mothers (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group 17·7 per 100 person-years, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group 14·8 per 100 person-years, and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus azithromycin group 16·9 per 100 person-years) and infants (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine group 49·2 per 100 person-years, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine group 42·4 per 100 person-years, and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus azithromycin group 47·8 per 100 person-years) across treatment groups. 12 (0·2%) of 6685 sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, 19 (0·3%) of 7014 dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, and 23 (0·3%) of 6849 dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus azithromycin treatment courses were vomited within 30 min. INTERPRETATION Monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine did not improve pregnancy outcomes, and the addition of a single course of azithromycin did not enhance the effect of monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. Trials that combine sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for IPTp should be considered. FUNDING European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 2, supported by the EU, and the UK Joint-Global-Health-Trials-Scheme of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Medical Research Council, Department of Health and Social Care, Wellcome, and the Bill-&-Melinda-Gates-Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwayiwawo Madanitsa
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi; Department of Clinical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Hellen C Barsosio
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Reginald A Kavishe
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - James Dodd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Queen Saidi
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Eric D Onyango
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kephas Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Centre for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Omari A Msemo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nigel Klein
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Simon Kariuki
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jacklin F Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Hansson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Akinola O, Ategbero E, Amusan AI, Gbotosho GO. Comparative efficacy of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine against malaria infection during late-stage pregnancy in mice. Exp Parasitol 2023; 248:108500. [PMID: 36893971 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) against malaria infections opened up a window of possibilities to combat malaria in pregnancy. However, the usefulness of ACTs in all stages of pregnancy must be critically assessed. This study was designed to evaluate dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAP) as a suitable alternative to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in the treatment of malaria during third-trimester pregnancy in mice. Experimental animals were inoculated with a parasitic dose of 1x106Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) infected erythrocytes and randomly allocated into treatment groups. The animals received standard doses of chloroquine alone (CQ)[10 mg/kg], SP [25 mg/kg] and [1.25 mg/kg] and DHAP [4 mg/kg] and [18 mg/kg] combinations. Maternal and pupil survival, litter sizes, pup weight and still-births were recorded, while the effect of the drug combinations on parasite suppression, recrudescence and parasite clearance time were evaluated. The day 4 chemo-suppression of parasitemia by DHAP in infected animals was comparable to SP, and CQ treatment (P > 0.05). The mean recrudescence time was significantly delayed (P = 0.031) in the DHAP treatment group compared to the CQ treatment group, while, there was no recrudescence in animals treated with SP. The birth rate in the SP group was significantly higher than in the DHAP group (P < 0.05). There was 100% maternal and pup survival in both combination treatments comparable with the uninfected gravid controls. The overall parasitological activity of SP against Plasmodium berghei in late-stage pregnancy appeared better than DHAP. In addition, SP treatment resulted in better birth outcomes assessed compared to DHAP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olugbenga Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Elizabeth Ategbero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Abiodun I Amusan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Grace O Gbotosho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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11
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Okoro RN, Geidam AD, Bukar AA, Zarami AB, Ohieku JD, Musa AB, Yerima TS. Superiority trial of intermittent treatment with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine versus sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine for the prevention of malaria during pregnancy. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-023-00460-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Malaria in pregnancy is responsible for various adverse maternal and birth outcomes. The emerging resistance to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) raises important concerns about its use for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) in Africa. This trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of IPTp with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP) as an alternative to IPTp with SP.
Results
The double-blind, randomized, and controlled superiority trial was conducted between July 2020 and June 2021. A total of 250 women were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive SP (n = 125) or DP (n = 125). Two hundred and six (82.4%) participants that contributed to the outcomes were included in the modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, while 84 participants that completed the three courses of the study drugs were included in the per protocol (PP) analysis. The ITT analysis results showed that the incidence of histopathologically confirmed placental malaria was nonsignificantly higher in the DP group compared with the SP group (62.5% vs. 51.1%, P = 0.098). After adjusting for confounders, the risk of histopathologically confirmed placental malaria was also nonsignificantly higher in the DP group (Adjusted Relative Risk [RR] = 1.27, 95% CI 0.94–1.71) compared with the SP group. In contrast, the risk of a low APGAR score was significantly lower in the DP group (RR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.38–0.52) compared with the SP group. Also, the risk of a composite adverse birth outcome (low birth weight or preterm delivery or neonates small for the gestational age) was nonsignificantly lower in the DP group (Adjusted RR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.55–1.21) compared with the SP group. Both drugs were well tolerated, although nausea and vomiting occurred in a significant number of participants in the SP group.
Conclusions
A three-course IPTp with DP was safe and was not found to be superior to IPTp with SP in the prevention of placental malaria. Although IPTp with DP was associated with a significant lower risk of low APGAR score and nonsignificant lower risks of other adverse birth outcomes compared with IPTp with SP.
Trial registration
PACTR, PACTR202002644579177. Registered 20 February 2020, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=9753.
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Briggs J, Murray M, Nideffer J, Jagannathan P. Sex-Linked Differences in Malaria Risk Across the Lifespan. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:185-208. [PMID: 37695429 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high burden of malaria worldwide, there is surprisingly scarce research on sex-based differences in malaria outside of pregnancy. A more thorough understanding of sexual dimorphism in malaria, and what underlies these sex-based differences, could elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving malaria pathogenesis and has the potential to inform malaria control efforts, including new vaccines. This review summarizes our current understanding of sex-based differences in the epidemiology of malaria across the lifespan, potential sex- or gender-based mechanisms driving these differences, and the knowledge gaps that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Briggs
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Margaret Murray
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Jason Nideffer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States.
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Pregnancy and malaria: the perfect storm. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:410-416. [PMID: 35916532 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Malaria in pregnancy continues to exert a toll on pregnant women and their offspring. RECENT FINDINGS The burden of Plasmodium falciparum infection is especially large in Africa, and new data show lasting effects of maternal infection on the infant's neurocognitive development. Elsewhere, P. vivax infection causes relapsing infections that are challenging to prevent. Infection in first trimester of pregnancy is an area of increasing focus, and its adverse effects on pregnancy outcome are increasingly recognised. First-trimester infection is common and frequently acquired prior to conception. Although newer rapid diagnostic tests still have limited sensitivity, they may be useful in detection of early pregnancy malaria for treatment. Artemisinin-based combination therapies are efficacious in later pregnancy but have yet to be recommended in first trimester because of limited safety data. In Africa, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine improves pregnancy outcomes, but sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance is worsening. The alternative, IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, has greater antimalarial efficacy, but does not appear to improve pregnancy outcomes, because sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has poorly understood nonmalarial benefits on birthweight. SUMMARY Novel IPTp regimens must be combined with interventions to strengthen protection from malaria infection acquired before and in early pregnancy.
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14
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Figueroa-Romero A, Pons-Duran C, Gonzalez R. Drugs for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy: Current Knowledge and Way Forward. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080152. [PMID: 36006244 PMCID: PMC9416188 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria infection during pregnancy is an important driver of maternal and neonatal health in endemic countries. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for malaria prevention at each scheduled antenatal care visit, starting at the second trimester, in areas of high and moderate transmission. However, the increased resistance to SP in some endemic areas challenges its effectiveness. Furthermore, SP is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and in HIV-infected women on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis due to potential drug–drug interactions. Thus, in recent last decades, several studies evaluated alternative drugs that could be used for IPTp. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of antimalarial drugs being evaluated for IPTp. Chloroquine, amodiaquine, mefloquine and azithromycin as IPTp have proven to be worse tolerated than SP. Mefloquine was found to increase the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Dihydroartemisin-piperaquine currently constitutes the most promising IPTp drug alternative; it reduced the prevalence of malaria infection, and placental and clinical malaria in studies among HIV-uninfected women, and it is currently being tested in HIV-infected women. Research on effective antimalarial drugs that can be safely administered for prevention to pregnant women should be prioritized. Malaria prevention in the first trimester of gestation and tailored interventions for HIV-infected women remain key research gaps to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antia Figueroa-Romero
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 132, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-R.); (C.P.-D.)
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 132, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-R.); (C.P.-D.)
| | - Raquel Gonzalez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 132, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.F.-R.); (C.P.-D.)
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Maputo 1929, Mozambique
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Kobia FM, Maiti K, Obimbo MM, Smith R, Gitaka J. Potential pharmacologic interventions targeting TLR signaling in placental malaria. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:513-524. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sundararaman SA, Odom John AR. Prevention of malaria in pregnancy: The threat of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:966402. [PMID: 36061376 PMCID: PMC9433640 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.966402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria infection in pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for both the pregnant person and fetus. The administration of intermittent preventative therapy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) during pregnancy (IPTp-SP) improves outcomes, including severe maternal anemia, placental malaria infection, and low infant birth weight. The WHO recommends IPTp-SP for pregnant individuals living in areas of moderate or high malaria transmission in Africa. The current regimen consists of two or more doses of SP starting as early as possible in the second trimester, at least 1 month apart. Unfortunately, rising Plasmodium falciparum SP resistance throughout Africa threatens to erode the benefits of SP. Recent studies have shown a decrease in IPTp-SP efficacy in areas with high SP resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new drug regimens that can be used for intermittent preventative therapy in pregnancy. In this review, we discuss recent data on P. falciparum SP resistance in Africa, the effect of resistance on IPTp-SP, and studies of alternative IPTp regimens. Finally, we present a framework for the ideal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties for future IPTp regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sesh A Sundararaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Audrey R Odom John
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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