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Watson JA, Peto TJ, White NJ. Rectal artesunate suppositories for the pre-referral treatment of suspected severe malaria. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004312. [PMID: 37943884 PMCID: PMC10681301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Policy Forum article, James A. Watson and colleagues discuss recent guidelines relating to pre-referral treatment of suspected severe malaria with rectal artesunate suppositories in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Watson
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. Peto
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Mansoor R, Commons RJ, Douglas NM, Abuaku B, Achan J, Adam I, Adjei GO, Adjuik M, Alemayehu BH, Allan R, Allen EN, Anvikar AR, Arinaitwe E, Ashley EA, Ashurst H, Asih PBS, Bakyaita N, Barennes H, Barnes KI, Basco L, Bassat Q, Baudin E, Bell DJ, Bethell D, Bjorkman A, Boulton C, Bousema T, Brasseur P, Bukirwa H, Burrow R, Carrara VI, Cot M, D’Alessandro U, Das D, Das S, Davis TME, Desai M, Djimde AA, Dondorp AM, Dorsey G, Drakeley CJ, Duparc S, Espié E, Etard JF, Falade C, Faucher JF, Filler S, Fogg C, Fukuda M, Gaye O, Genton B, Ghulam Rahim A, Gilayeneh J, Gonzalez R, Grais RF, Grandesso F, Greenwood B, Grivoyannis A, Hatz C, Hodel EM, Humphreys GS, Hwang J, Ishengoma D, Juma E, Kachur SP, Kager PA, Kamugisha E, Kamya MR, Karema C, Kayentao K, Kazienga A, Kiechel JR, Kofoed PE, Koram K, Kremsner PG, Lalloo DG, Laman M, Lee SJ, Lell B, Maiga AW, Mårtensson A, Mayxay M, Mbacham W, McGready R, Menan H, Ménard D, Mockenhaupt F, Moore BR, Müller O, Nahum A, Ndiaye JL, Newton PN, Ngasala BE, Nikiema F, Nji AM, Noedl H, Nosten F, Ogutu BR, Ojurongbe O, Osorio L, Ouédraogo JB, Owusu-Agyei S, Pareek A, Penali LK, Piola P, Plucinski M, Premji Z, Ramharter M, Richmond CL, Rombo L, Roper C, Rosenthal PJ, Salman S, Same-Ekobo A, Sibley C, Sirima SB, Smithuis FM, Somé FA, Staedke SG, Starzengruber P, Strub-Wourgaft N, Sutanto I, Swarthout TD, Syafruddin D, Talisuna AO, Taylor WR, Temu EA, Thwing JI, Tinto H, Tjitra E, Touré OA, Tran TH, Ursing J, Valea I, Valentini G, van Vugt M, von Seidlein L, Ward SA, Were V, White NJ, Woodrow CJ, Yavo W, Yeka A, Zongo I, Simpson JA, Guerin PJ, Stepniewska K, Price RN. Haematological consequences of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network pooled analysis of individual patient data. BMC Med 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 35249546 PMCID: PMC8900374 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with anaemia-related morbidity, attributable to host, parasite and drug factors. We quantified the haematological response following treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria to identify the factors associated with malarial anaemia. METHODS Individual patient data from eligible antimalarial efficacy studies of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, available through the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network data repository prior to August 2015, were pooled using standardised methodology. The haematological response over time was quantified using a multivariable linear mixed effects model with nonlinear terms for time, and the model was then used to estimate the mean haemoglobin at day of nadir and day 7. Multivariable logistic regression quantified risk factors for moderately severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 7 g/dL) at day 0, day 3 and day 7 as well as a fractional fall ≥ 25% at day 3 and day 7. RESULTS A total of 70,226 patients, recruited into 200 studies between 1991 and 2013, were included in the analysis: 50,859 (72.4%) enrolled in Africa, 18,451 (26.3%) in Asia and 916 (1.3%) in South America. The median haemoglobin concentration at presentation was 9.9 g/dL (range 5.0-19.7 g/dL) in Africa, 11.6 g/dL (range 5.0-20.0 g/dL) in Asia and 12.3 g/dL (range 6.9-17.9 g/dL) in South America. Moderately severe anaemia (Hb < 7g/dl) was present in 8.4% (4284/50,859) of patients from Africa, 3.3% (606/18,451) from Asia and 0.1% (1/916) from South America. The nadir haemoglobin occurred on day 2 post treatment with a mean fall from baseline of 0.57 g/dL in Africa and 1.13 g/dL in Asia. Independent risk factors for moderately severe anaemia on day 7, in both Africa and Asia, included moderately severe anaemia at baseline (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 16.10 and AOR = 23.00, respectively), young age (age < 1 compared to ≥ 12 years AOR = 12.81 and AOR = 6.79, respectively), high parasitaemia (AOR = 1.78 and AOR = 1.58, respectively) and delayed parasite clearance (AOR = 2.44 and AOR = 2.59, respectively). In Asia, patients treated with an artemisinin-based regimen were at significantly greater risk of moderately severe anaemia on day 7 compared to those treated with a non-artemisinin-based regimen (AOR = 2.06 [95%CI 1.39-3.05], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the nadir haemoglobin occurs 2 days after starting treatment. Although artemisinin-based treatments increase the rate of parasite clearance, in Asia they are associated with a greater risk of anaemia during recovery.
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de Haan F, Moors EH, Dondorp AM, Boon WP. Market Formation in a Global Health Transition. ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION AND SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS 2021; 40:40-59. [PMID: 35106274 PMCID: PMC7612298 DOI: 10.1016/j.eist.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Transition studies have started to focus on market formation in innovation systems. This article investigates market formation in a global health transition that was instigated by drug-resistant malaria. We explore how markets for Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACT) in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) were formed at multiple geographical scales and locations. The study reveals the role of public institutes, academia and partnerships in early innovation system development. It demonstrates how transnational organizations created a supportive global landscape for ACT development and deployment. It then reveals how these advancements led to the formation of public-sector and private-sector ACT markets in the GMS. We illustrate how market formation activities took place on global, national and local scales and how structural couplings enabled the functioning of this global innovation system. The lessons learned are particularly relevant now that drug-resistant malaria has once more emerged in the GMS, urgently calling for new therapies and associated end-user markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freek de Haan
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. (F. de Haan), (E.H.M. Moors), (A.M. Dondorp), (W.P.C. Boon)
| | - Ellen H.M. Moors
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wouter P.C. Boon
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3484 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 73170 Bangkok, Thailand
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Hossain MS, Commons RJ, Douglas NM, Thriemer K, Alemayehu BH, Amaratunga C, Anvikar AR, Ashley EA, Asih PBS, Carrara VI, Lon C, D’Alessandro U, Davis TME, Dondorp AM, Edstein MD, Fairhurst RM, Ferreira MU, Hwang J, Janssens B, Karunajeewa H, Kiechel JR, Ladeia-Andrade S, Laman M, Mayxay M, McGready R, Moore BR, Mueller I, Newton PN, Thuy-Nhien NT, Noedl H, Nosten F, Phyo AP, Poespoprodjo JR, Saunders DL, Smithuis F, Spring MD, Stepniewska K, Suon S, Suputtamongkol Y, Syafruddin D, Tran HT, Valecha N, Van Herp M, Van Vugt M, White NJ, Guerin PJ, Simpson JA, Price RN. The risk of Plasmodium vivax parasitaemia after P. falciparum malaria: An individual patient data meta-analysis from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003393. [PMID: 33211712 PMCID: PMC7676739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high risk of Plasmodium vivax parasitaemia following treatment of falciparum malaria. Our study aimed to quantify this risk and the associated determinants using an individual patient data meta-analysis in order to identify populations in which a policy of universal radical cure, combining artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) with a hypnozoitocidal antimalarial drug, would be beneficial. METHODS AND FINDINGS A systematic review of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified efficacy studies of uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with ACT that were undertaken in regions coendemic for P. vivax between 1 January 1960 and 5 January 2018. Data from eligible studies were pooled using standardised methodology. The risk of P. vivax parasitaemia at days 42 and 63 and associated risk factors were investigated by multivariable Cox regression analyses. Study quality was assessed using a tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42018097400). In total, 42 studies enrolling 15,341 patients were included in the analysis, including 30 randomised controlled trials and 12 cohort studies. Overall, 14,146 (92.2%) patients had P. falciparum monoinfection and 1,195 (7.8%) mixed infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax. The median age was 17.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.0-29.0 years; range = 0-80 years), with 1,584 (10.3%) patients younger than 5 years. 2,711 (17.7%) patients were treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL, 13 studies), 651 (4.2%) with artesunate-amodiaquine (AA, 6 studies), 7,340 (47.8%) with artesunate-mefloquine (AM, 25 studies), and 4,639 (30.2%) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP, 16 studies). 14,537 patients (94.8%) were enrolled from the Asia-Pacific region, 684 (4.5%) from the Americas, and 120 (0.8%) from Africa. At day 42, the cumulative risk of vivax parasitaemia following treatment of P. falciparum was 31.1% (95% CI 28.9-33.4) after AL, 14.1% (95% CI 10.8-18.3) after AA, 7.4% (95% CI 6.7-8.1) after AM, and 4.5% (95% CI 3.9-5.3) after DP. By day 63, the risks had risen to 39.9% (95% CI 36.6-43.3), 42.4% (95% CI 34.7-51.2), 22.8% (95% CI 21.2-24.4), and 12.8% (95% CI 11.4-14.5), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the highest rate of P. vivax parasitaemia over 42 days of follow-up was in patients residing in areas of short relapse periodicity (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-19.5; p = 0.002); patients treated with AL (AHR = 6.2, 95% CI 4.6-8.5; p < 0.001), AA (AHR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7; p = 0.001), or AM (AHR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9; p = 0.028) compared with DP; and patients who did not clear their initial parasitaemia within 2 days (AHR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3; p < 0.001). The analysis was limited by heterogeneity between study populations and lack of data from very low transmission settings. Study quality was high. CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis, we found a high risk of P. vivax parasitaemia after treatment of P. falciparum malaria that varied significantly between studies. These P. vivax infections are likely attributable to relapses that could be prevented with radical cure including a hypnozoitocidal agent; however, the benefits of such a novel strategy will vary considerably between geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S. Hossain
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Robert J. Commons
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Internal Medical Services, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas M. Douglas
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Bereket H. Alemayehu
- ICAP at Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | | | - Verena I. Carrara
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Chanthap Lon
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Timothy M. E. Davis
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael D. Edstein
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rick M. Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marcelo U. Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jimee Hwang
- US President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Harin Karunajeewa
- Melbourne Medical School–Western Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Western Health Chronic Disease Alliance, Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jean R. Kiechel
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simone Ladeia-Andrade
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Amazonian Malaria Initiative/Amazon Network for the Surveillance of Antimalarial Drug Resistance, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
| | - Moses Laman
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Brioni R. Moore
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Division of Population Health and Immunity, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Parasites and Insect Vectors Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Harald Noedl
- MARIB—Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Aung P. Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Jeanne R. Poespoprodjo
- Mimika District Hospital, Timika, Indonesia
- Timika Malaria Research Programme, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Indonesia
- Paediatric Research Office, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - David L. Saunders
- Division of Medicine, United States Army Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Michele D. Spring
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Seila Suon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Yupin Suputtamongkol
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Din Syafruddin
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Hien T. Tran
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Neena Valecha
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Michele Van Vugt
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Medical Centre, Department of Internal Medicine, Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Philippe J. Guerin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julie A. Simpson
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ric N. Price
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Meteke S, Stefopulos M, Als D, Gaffey M, Kamali M, Siddiqui FJ, Munyuzangabo M, Jain RP, Shah S, Radhakrishnan A, Ataullahjan A, Bhutta ZA. Delivering infectious disease interventions to women and children in conflict settings: a systematic reviefw. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e001967. [PMID: 32341087 PMCID: PMC7213813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflict has played a role in the large-scale deterioration of health systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and increased risk of infections and outbreaks. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the literature on mechanisms of delivery for a range of infectious disease-related interventions provided to conflict-affected women, children and adolescents. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases for literature published in English from January 1990 to March 2018. Eligible publications reported on conflict-affected neonates, children, adolescents or women in LMICs who received an infectious disease intervention. We extracted and synthesised information on delivery characteristics, including delivery site and personnel involved, as well as barriers and facilitators, and we tabulated reported intervention coverage and effectiveness data. RESULTS A majority of the 194 eligible publications reported on intervention delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. Vaccines for measles and polio were the most commonly reported interventions, followed by malaria treatment. Over two-thirds of reported interventions were delivered in camp settings for displaced families. The use of clinics as a delivery site was reported across all intervention types, but outreach and community-based delivery were also reported for many interventions. Key barriers to service delivery included restricted access to target populations; conversely, adopting social mobilisation strategies and collaborating with community figures were reported as facilitating intervention delivery. Few publications reported on intervention coverage, mostly reporting variable coverage for vaccines, and fewer reported on intervention effectiveness, mostly for malaria treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS Despite an increased focus on health outcomes in humanitarian crises, our review highlights important gaps in the literature on intervention delivery among specific subpopulations and geographies. This indicates a need for more rigorous research and reporting on effective strategies for delivering infectious disease interventions in different conflict contexts. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019125221.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meteke
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Stefopulos
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daina Als
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Gaffey
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahdis Kamali
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fahad J Siddiqui
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health System and Services Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Mariella Munyuzangabo
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reena P Jain
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shailja Shah
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amruta Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anushka Ataullahjan
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Split dosing of artemisinins does not improve antimalarial therapeutic efficacy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12132. [PMID: 28935919 PMCID: PMC5608907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12483-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested recently, based on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling exercises, that twice daily dosing of artemisinins increases malaria parasite killing and so could “dramatically enhance and restore drug effectiveness” in artemisinin resistant P. falciparum malaria infections. It was recommended that split dosing should be incorporated into all artemisinin combination regimen designs. To explain why parasite clearance rates were not faster with split dose regimens it was concluded that splenic malaria parasite clearance capacity was readily exceeded, resulting in the accumulation of dead parasites in the circulation, that parasite clearance was therefore an unreliable measure of drug efficacy, and instead that human immunity is the primary determinant of clearance rates. To test these various hypotheses we performed a logistic meta-regression analysis of cure rates from all falciparum malaria treatment trials (n = 40) with monotherapy arms containing artemisinin or a derivative (76 arms). There was no evidence that split dosing enhanced cure rates.
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Lee SJ, ter Kuile FO, Price RN, Luxemburger C, Nosten F. Adverse effects of mefloquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Thailand: A pooled analysis of 19, 850 individual patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168780. [PMID: 28192434 PMCID: PMC5305067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mefloquine (MQ) has been used for the treatment of malaria since the mid-1980s, first as monotherapy or as fixed combination with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (MSP) and since the mid-1990s in combination with artesunate. There is a renewed interested in MQ as part of a triple therapy for the treatment of multi-drug resistance P. falciparum malaria. The widespread use of MQ beyond south-East Asia has been constrained by reports of poor tolerability. Here we present the side effect profile of MQ for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria on the Thai-Myanmar/Cambodia borders. In total 19,850 patients received seven different regimens containing either 15 or 24-25 mg/kg of MQ, the latter given either as a single dose, or split over two or three days. The analysis focused on (predominantly) gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric events as compared to the new fixed dose combination of MQ plus artesunate given as equal doses of 8 mg/kg MQ per day over three days. Gastrointestinal side effects were dose-dependent and associated with the severity of malaria symptoms. Serious neuropsychiatric side effects associated with MQ use were rare: for a single 25 mg/kg dose it was 11.9 per 10,000 treatments (95% confidence interval, CI, 4-285) vs. 7.8 (3-15) for the 15 mg/kg dose. The risk with 25 mg/kg was much higher when it was given as repeat dosing in patients who had failed treatment with 15 mg/kg MQ in the preceding month; (RR 6.57 (95% CI 1.33 to 32.4), p = 0.0077). MQ was best tolerated as 15 mg/kg or as 24 mg/kg when given over three days in combination with artesunate. We conclude that the tolerance of a single dose of MQ in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria is moderate, but can be improved by administering it as a split dose over three days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue J. Lee
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ric N. Price
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Christine Luxemburger
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
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9
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy of malaria has become a rapidly changing field. Less than two decades ago, treatment regimens were increasingly bound to fail due to emerging drug resistance against 4-aminoquinolines and sulfa compounds. By now, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) constitute the standard of care for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and are increasingly also taken into consideration for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria. AREAS COVERED This narrative review provides an overview of the state-of-art antimalarial drug therapy, highlights the global portfolio of current Phase III/IV clinical trials and summarizes current developments. EXPERT OPINION Malaria chemotherapy remains a dynamic field, with novel drugs and drug combinations continuing to emerge in order to outpace the development of large-scale drug resistance against the currently most important drug class, the artemisinin derivatives. More randomized controlled studies are urgently needed especially for the treatment of malaria in first trimester pregnant women. ACTs should be used for the treatment of imported malaria more consequently. Gaining sufficient efficacy and safety information on ACT use for non-falciparum species including Plasmodium ovale and malariae should be a research priority. Continuous investment into malaria drug development is a vital factor to combat artemisinin resistance and successfully improve malaria control toward the ultimate goal of elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Visser
- University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Centre, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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A Study on Course of Infection and Haematological Changes in falciparum-Infected in Comparison with Artemisinin(s)-Treated Mice. Malar Res Treat 2013; 2013:426040. [PMID: 23841019 PMCID: PMC3693172 DOI: 10.1155/2013/426040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To find out the efficacy and effect of artemisinin derivatives on haematological indices, C57BL/6J mice were challenged with Plasmodium falciparum and treated with therapeutic doses of AS, AE, and AL. Course of infection was studied in the infected and treated groups up to day 42. Peak level of parasitaemia (38%) was observed on day 11 in infected group. Haematological indices indicated significant (P < 0.05) decrease in RBC, WBC, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, and platelet counts in infected mice. But all the parameters were restored to normal values, and significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in all drug-treated groups. Insignificant changes were observed for MCHC (P > 0.05) in all drug-treated groups. Percent of peak parasitaemia was much reduced in AL- (3.2% on day 3) treated group in comparison with AE- (2.4% on day 4) and AS- (4% on day 2) treated groups. Parasites were completely cleared on day 6 in AS group, day 5 in AE group, and day 4 in AL group. Hence, our results strongly support that combination therapy has high efficacy rates than monotherapy. No adverse effects were observed on haematological parameters when animals were treated with therapeutic dosages.
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Metzger W, Magris M, Vivas-Martínez S, Giron A, Brooms J, Villalobos N, Cruz L, Peña Pimentel F, Perez L, España R. High dose artesunate in combination with mefloquine: pharmacovigilance in the Venezuelan Amazon. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2012; 106:196-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Schlagenhauf P, Adamcova M, Regep L, Schaerer MT, Bansod S, Rhein HG. Use of mefloquine in children - a review of dosage, pharmacokinetics and tolerability data. Malar J 2011; 10:292. [PMID: 21981927 PMCID: PMC3215676 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of anti-malarial medication in children is hampered by a paucity of dosage, pharmacokinetic and tolerability data. METHODS Data on the use of mefloquine in children, particularly in young children weighing less than 20 kg, were reviewed using PubMed literature and reports on file. RESULTS Chemoprophylaxis data: Two studies with a total of 170 children were found. A simulated mefloquine plasma profile showed that doses to achieve protective chemoprophylaxis blood concentration of mefloquine of approximately 620 ng/mL (or 1.67 μmol/L) in children should be at least 5 mg/kg. This simulated plasma profile in children corresponds to that seen in adult travellers using a weekly prophylaxis dose of 250 mg. This reinforces current practice of using weight-based dosage for children. Clearance per body weight is higher in older children. For children who travel to malaria risk areas tablets can be broken and crushed as required. It is necessary to disguise the bitter taste of the drug. Treatment data: Mefloquine treatment (alone or in combination) data are available for more than 6000 children of all age and weight categories. The stereoselectivity and pharmacokinetic profile of mefloquine in children is similar to that observed in adults. There is higher clearance in older children (aged 5-12 years) compared to younger children (aged 6-24 months). Mefloquine treatment is well tolerated in infants (5-12 kg) but vomiting is a problem at high doses. This led to the use of a "split dose" regimen with 15 mg/kg initially, followed 12 hours later by 10 mg/kg. Mefloquine 125 mg has been used as intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) and was found to be efficacious in reducing episodes of malaria in a moderate-transmission setting but vomiting was a problem in 8% of children aged 2-11 months. Mefloquine is also used as a component of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in small children. The combination artesunate plus mefloquine is a WHO approved first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Africa. CONCLUSION Currently available data provide a scientific basis for the use of mefloquine in small children in the chemoprophylaxis setting and as a part of treatment regimens for children living in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Carrara VI, Zwang J, Ashley EA, Price RN, Stepniewska K, Barends M, Brockman A, Anderson T, McGready R, Phaiphun L, Proux S, van Vugt M, Hutagalung R, Lwin KM, Phyo AP, Preechapornkul P, Imwong M, Pukrittayakamee S, Singhasivanon P, White NJ, Nosten F. Changes in the treatment responses to artesunate-mefloquine on the northwestern border of Thailand during 13 years of continuous deployment. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4551. [PMID: 19234601 PMCID: PMC2641001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin combination treatments (ACT) are recommended as first line treatment for falciparum malaria throughout the malaria affected world. We reviewed the efficacy of a 3-day regimen of mefloquine and artesunate regimen (MAS3), over a 13 year period of continuous deployment as first-line treatment in camps for displaced persons and in clinics for migrant population along the Thai-Myanmar border. Methods and Findings 3,264 patients were enrolled in prospective treatment trials between 1995 and 2007 and treated with MAS3. The proportion of patients with parasitaemia persisting on day-2 increased significantly from 4.5% before 2001 to 21.9% since 2002 (p<0.001). Delayed parasite clearance was associated with increased risk of developing gametocytaemia (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI, 2.00–2.69, p = 0.002). Gametocytaemia on admission and carriage also increased over the years (p = 0.001, test for trend, for both). MAS3 efficacy has declined slightly but significantly (Hazards ratio 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07–1.19, p<0.001), although efficacy in 2007 remained well within acceptable limits: 96.5% (95% CI, 91.0–98.7). The in vitro susceptibility of P. falciparum to artesunate increased significantly until 2002, but thereafter declined to levels close to those of 13 years ago (geometric mean in 2007: 4.2 nM/l; 95% CI, 3.2–5.5). The proportion of infections caused by parasites with increased pfmdr1 copy number rose from 30% (12/40) in 1996 to 53% (24/45) in 2006 (p = 0.012, test for trend). Conclusion Artesunate-mefloquine remains a highly efficacious antimalarial treatment in this area despite 13 years of widespread intense deployment, but there is evidence of a modest increase in resistance. Of particular concern is the slowing of parasitological response to artesunate and the associated increase in gametocyte carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ric N. Price
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alan Brockman
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Tim Anderson
- Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mallika Imwong
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Nicholas J. White
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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14
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Carrara VI, Sirilak S, Thonglairuam J, Rojanawatsirivet C, Proux S, Gilbos V, Brockman A, Ashley EA, McGready R, Krudsood S, Leemingsawat S, Looareesuwan S, Singhasivanon P, White N, Nosten F. Deployment of early diagnosis and mefloquine-artesunate treatment of falciparum malaria in Thailand: the Tak Malaria Initiative. PLoS Med 2006; 3:e183. [PMID: 16719547 PMCID: PMC1470664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2005] [Accepted: 02/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis and treatment with artesunate-mefloquine combination therapy (MAS) have reduced the transmission of falciparum malaria dramatically and halted the progression of mefloquine resistance in camps for displaced persons along the Thai-Burmese border, an area of low and seasonal transmission of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. We extended the same combination drug strategy to all other communities (estimated population 450,000) living in five border districts of Tak province in northwestern Thailand. METHODS AND FINDINGS Existing health structures were reinforced. Village volunteers were trained to use rapid diagnostic tests and to treat positive cases with MAS. Cases of malaria, hospitalizations, and malaria-related deaths were recorded in the 6 y before, during, and after the Tak Malaria Initiative (TMI) intervention. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted before and during the TMI period. P. falciparum malaria cases fell by 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.5-34.4) and hospitalisations for falciparum malaria fell by 39% (95% CI, 37.0-39.9) during the TMI period, while hospitalisations for P. vivax malaria remained constant. There were 32 deaths attributed to malaria during, and 22 after the TMI, a 51.5% (95% CI, 39.0-63.9) reduction compared to the average of the previous 3 y. Cross-sectional surveys indicated that P. vivax had become the predominant species in Thai villages, but not in populations living on the Myanmar side of the border. In the displaced persons population, where the original deployment took place 7 y before the TMI, the transmission of P. falciparum continued to be suppressed, the incidence of falciparum malaria remained low, and the in vivo efficacy of the 3-d MAS remained high. CONCLUSIONS In the remote malarious north western border area of Thailand, the early detection of malaria by trained village volunteers, using rapid diagnostic tests and treatment with mefloquine-artesunate was feasible and reduced the morbidity and mortality of multidrug-resistant P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Ilona Carrara
- 1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 3Departments of Medical Entomology, Tropical Hygiene and Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Al Brockman
- 1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- 1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 6Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rose McGready
- 1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 6Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Srivicha Krudsood
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sornchai Looareesuwan
- 3Departments of Medical Entomology, Tropical Hygiene and Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- 3Departments of Medical Entomology, Tropical Hygiene and Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas White
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 6Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - François Nosten
- 1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak, Thailand
- 2Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 6Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple-drug-resistant malaria is widespread, and in South-East Asia resistance is high against nearly all single therapy antimalarial drugs. Here, and in other areas with low malaria transmission, the combination of artesunate and mefloquine may provide an effective alternative. OBJECTIVES To compare artesunate plus mefloquine with mefloquine alone for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (May 2005), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2005), EMBASE (1988 to May 2005), LILACS (May 2005), BIOSIS (1985 to June 2005), conference proceedings, and reference lists. We also contacted researchers, organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing artesunate plus mefloquine with mefloquine alone for treating uncomplicated malaria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. The primary outcome was treatment failure by day 28, defined as evidence of parasitaemia with or without clinical failure between days zero (start of treatment) and 28. For dichotomous data we calculated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS Eight trials involving 1996 participants met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in areas with low malaria transmission, seven in South-East Asia and one in the Peruvian Amazon. The doses and dosing regimens of artesunate and mefloquine varied across trials. The trials using a total dose of 25 mg/kg mefloquine and 10 mg artesunate reported fewer treatment failures with the combination at all time points: day 28 (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.47; 824 participants, 4 trials), day 42 (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.39; 298 participants, 1 trial), and day 63 (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.77; 501 participants, 2 trials). The results for parasitaemia showed a similar trend. Trials using a lower dose of artesunate tended to favour the artesunate plus mefloquine combination. Overall, adverse events were similar across treatment arms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Artesunate plus mefloquine performs better than mefloquine alone for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in areas with low malaria transmission. A total dose of 25 mg/kg mefloquine and at least 10 mg artesunate leads to higher cure rates. Better reporting of methods and standardisation of outcomes would help the interpretation of future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bukirwa
- Uganda Malaria Surveillance Project, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda, PO BOX 24943.
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16
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Hutagalung R, Paiphun L, Ashley EA, McGready R, Brockman A, Thwai KL, Singhasivanon P, Jelinek T, White NJ, Nosten FH. A randomized trial of artemether-lumefantrine versus mefloquine-artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum on the western border of Thailand. Malar J 2005; 4:46. [PMID: 16179089 PMCID: PMC1261533 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-4-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of antimalarial drug combinations with artemisinin derivatives is recommended to overcome drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. The fixed combination of oral artemether-lumefantrine, an artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is highly effective and well tolerated. It is the only registered fixed combination containing an artemisinin. The trial presented here was conducted to monitor the efficacy of the six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine (ALN) in an area of multi-drug resistance, along the Thai-Myanmar border. Methods The trial was an open-label, two-arm, randomized study comparing artemether-lumefantrine and mefloquine-artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria with 42 days of follow up. Parasite genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to distinguish recrudescent from newly acquired P. falciparum infections. The PCR adjusted cure rates were evaluated by survival analysis. Results In 2001–2002 a total of 490 patients with slide confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were randomly assigned to receive artemether-lumefantrine (n = 245) or artesunate and mefloquine (n = 245) and were followed for 42 days. All patients had rapid initial clinical and parasitological responses. In both groups, the PCR adjusted cure rates by day 42 were high: 98.8% (95% CI 96.4, 99.6%) for artemether-lumefantrine and 96.3% (95% CI 93.1, 98.0%) for artesunate-mefloquine. Both regimens were very well tolerated with no serious adverse events observed attributable to either combination. Conclusion Overall, this study confirms that these two artemisinin-based combinations remain highly effective and result in equivalent therapeutic responses in the treatment of highly drug-resistant falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hutagalung
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lucy Paiphun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Alan Brockman
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Kaw L Thwai
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
| | | | | | - Nicholas J White
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - François H Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
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White NJ, Olliaro PL. Strategies for the prevention of antimalarial drug resistance: rationale for combination chemotherapy for malaria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 12:399-401. [PMID: 15275291 DOI: 10.1016/0169-4758(96)10055-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Among the several 'tropical' diseases that affect humans, malarin poses special control problems due to the increasing population at risk from the disease, the difficulties in eradicating the mosquito vector in the tropics and the emergence and spread of parasite resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs. There is both clinical experience and experimental evidence that, however effective when first introduced, the lifespan of drugs is inevitably curtailed by the emergence of resistant parasites. Resistance is the most important factor in determining the useful lifespan of antimalarial drugs. In this review, Nick White and Piero Olliaro discuss the rationale for combination chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J White
- Wellcome-Mahidol University, Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Programme, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Stepniewska K, Taylor WRJ, Mayxay M, Price R, Smithuis F, Guthmann JP, Barnes K, Myint HY, Adjuik M, Olliaro P, Pukrittayakamee S, Looareesuwan S, Hien TT, Farrar J, Nosten F, Day NPJ, White NJ. In vivo assessment of drug efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum malaria: duration of follow-up. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:4271-80. [PMID: 15504852 PMCID: PMC525402 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.11.4271-4280.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Revised: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 05/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the optimum duration of follow-up for the assessment of drug efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum malaria, 96 trial arms from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with follow-up of 28 days or longer that were conducted between 1990 and 2003 were analyzed. These trials enrolled 13,772 patients, and participating patients comprised 23% of all patients enrolled in RCTs over the past 40 years; 61 (64%) trial arms were conducted in areas where the rate of malaria transmission was low, and 58 (50%) trial arms were supported by parasite genotyping to distinguish true recrudescences from reinfections. The median overall failure rate reported was 10% (range, 0 to 47%). The widely used day 14 assessment had a sensitivity of between 0 and 37% in identifying treatment failures and had no predictive value. Assessment at day 28 had a sensitivity of 66% overall (28 to 100% in individual trials) but could be used to predict the true failure rate if either parasite genotyping was performed (r(2) = 0.94) or if the entomological inoculation rate was known. In the assessment of drug efficacy against falciparum malaria, 28 days should be the minimum period of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasia Stepniewska
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Jerrard DA, Broder JS, Hanna JR, Colletti JE, Grundmann KA, Geroff AJ, Mattu A. Malaria: a rising incidence in the United States. J Emerg Med 2002; 23:23-33. [PMID: 12217468 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-4679(02)00457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is frequently a deadly disease, particularly in tropical countries of the world where this protozoan infection is endemic. While physicians in tropical countries are familiar with the presentation, those who do not practice in endemic regions of the world may neglect to add tropical diseases to their differential diagnosis of fever. Epidemiologic data from the CDC show the number of cases of malaria being diagnosed in the United States in the last decade has risen sharply. With international travel continuing to rise, there is strong reason to consider malaria as a source of fever.
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Angus BJ, Thaiaporn I, Chanthapadith K, Suputtamongkol Y, White NJ. Oral artesunate dose-response relationship in acute falciparum malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46:778-82. [PMID: 11850261 PMCID: PMC127461 DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.3.778-782.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of an oral artemisinin derivative (usually artesunate) and mefloquine has become standard treatment for multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria in several parts of Southeast Asia. The doses of artesunate used in monotherapy and combination treatment have largely been derived empirically. In order to characterize the in vivo dose-response relationship for artesunate and thus rationalize dosing, 47 adult patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria and parasitemia > or = 1% were randomized to receive a single oral dose of artesunate varying between 0 and 250 mg together with a curative dose of oral mefloquine. Acceleration of parasite clearance was used as the pharmacodynamic variable. An inhibitory sigmoidal maximum effect (Emax) pharmacodynamic model typical of a dose-response curve was fitted to the relationship between dose and shortening of parasite clearance time (PCT). The Emax was estimated as 28.6 oral h, and the 50% effective concentration was 1.6 mg/kg of body weight. These results imply that there is no reduction in PCTs with the use of single doses of artesunate higher than 2 mg/kg, and this therefore reflects the average lower limit of the maximally effective dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Angus
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Price RN, Simpson JA, Nosten F, Luxemburger C, Hkirjaroen L, ter Kuile F, Chongsuphajaisiddhi T, White NJ. Factors contributing to anemia after uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2001; 65:614-22. [PMID: 11716124 PMCID: PMC4337986 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors contributing to anemia in falciparum malaria were characterized in 4,007 prospectively studied patients on the western border of Thailand. Of these, 727 patients (18%) presented with anemia (haematocrit < 30%), and 1% (55 of 5,253) required blood transfusion. The following were found to be independent risk factors for anemia at admission: age < 5 years, a palpable spleen, a palpable liver, recrudescent infections, being female, a prolonged history of illness (> 2 days) before admission, and pure Plasmodium falciparum infections rather than mixed P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. The mean maximum fractional fall in hematocrit after antimalarial treatment was 14.1% of the baseline value (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.6-14.6). This reduction was significantly greater in young children (aged < 5 years) and in patients with a prolonged illness, high parasitemia, or delayed parasite clearance. Loss of parasitized erythrocytes accounted for < 10% of overall red blood cell loss. Hematological recovery was usually complete within 6 weeks, but it was slower in patients who were anemic at admission (adjusted hazards ratio [AHR], 1.9, 95% CI, 1.5-2.3), and those whose infections recrudesced (AHR, 1.2, 95% CI, 1.01-1.5). Half the patients with treatment failure were anemic at 6 weeks compared with 19% of successfully treated patients (relative risk, 2.8, 95% CI, 2.0-3.8). Patients coinfected with P. vivax (16% of the total) were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.2-2.6) times less likely to become anemic and recovered 1.3 (95% CI, 1.0-1.5) times faster than those with P. falciparum only. Anemia is related to drug resistance and treatment failure in uncomplicated malaria. Children aged < 5 years of age were more likely than older children or adults to become anemic. Coinfection with P. vivax attenuates the anemia of falciparum malaria, presumably by modifying the severity of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Price
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Tak Province, Thailand.
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Davis TM, Phuong HL, Ilett KF, Hung NC, Batty KT, Phuong VD, Powell SM, Thien HV, Binh TQ. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous artesunate in severe falciparum malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:181-6. [PMID: 11120963 PMCID: PMC90258 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.1.181-186.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide novel data relating to the dispositions, effects, and toxicities of the artemisinin derivatives in severe malaria, we studied 30 Vietnamese adults with slide-positive falciparum malaria treated with intravenous artesunate. Twelve patients with complications (severe; group 1) and 8 patients without complications but requiring parenteral therapy (moderately severe; group 2) received 120 mg of artesunate by injection, and 10 patients with moderately severe complications (group 3) were given 240 mg by infusion. Serial concentrations of artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin in plasma were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The time to 50% parasite clearance (PCT(50)) was determined from serial parasite densities. Full clinical (including neurological) assessments were performed at least daily. In noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses, group mean artesunate half-lives (t(1/2)) were short (range, 2.3 to 4.3 min). The dihydroartemisinin t(1/2) (range, 40 to 64 min), clearance (range, 0.73 to 1.01 liters/h/kg), and volume of distribution (range, 0.77 to 1.01 liters/kg) were also similar both across the three patient groups (P > 0.1) and to previously reported values for patients with uncomplicated malaria. Parasite clearance was prompt (group median PCT(50) range 6 to 9 h) and clinical recovery was complete under all three regimens. These data indicate that the pharmacokinetics of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin are not influenced by the severity of malaria. Since the pharmacokinetic parameters for both artesunate and dihydroartemisinin were similar regardless of whether injection or infusion was used, artesunate can be considered a prodrug that is converted stoichiometrically to dhydroartemisinin. Conventional doses of artesunate are safe and effective when given to patients with complications of falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Davis
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Australia.
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Sowunmi A, Sowunmi C, Adedeji A, Oduola A. Comparison of Artemether and Artemether plus Mefloquine in Children with Malaria and Effects on Viability of Plasmodium falciparum Ex vivo. Clin Drug Investig 2001. [DOI: 10.2165/00044011-200121010-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, artesunate and artemether, represent a new class of antimicrobial drug with potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Although they show excellent efficacy in both severe and uncomplicated malaria, dosage regimens still need to be optimised and pharmacokinetic profiles defined. In the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, the artemisinin drugs should be used in combination with a long acting antimalarial to protect both drugs against the emergence of resistance. In the treatment of severe malaria, parenteral artemether is at least as effective as quinine and is simpler to use. The use of rectal preparations of artesunate and artemisinin at the rural health level will facilitate early initiation of the treatment of falciparum malaria and this may reduce the proportion of patients progressing to severe disease. All of the artemisinin drugs have comparable efficacy; the choice of derivative should be based upon availability, cost and quality of the preparation. Artemisinin, artesunate and artemether are well-tolerated in both adults and children, with no evidence to date of serious clinical toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Price
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin derivatives are a relatively new group of drugs with antimalarial properties. As resistance to other antimalarial drugs continues to increase, artemisinin drugs may be useful alternatives. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of artemisinin drugs for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Lilacs, African Index Medicus; conference abstracts and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted organisations, researchers in the field and drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of artemisinin derivatives, alone or in combination with other antimalarials, compared with standard antimalarial treatments, in adults or children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Only trials where treatment was given by mouth or suppository were included. Comparisons between different artemisinin derivatives and treatment regimens were also included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Eligibility and trial quality were assessed and data were extracted independently by the two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS Forty-one trials involving over 5000 patients were included. Variation in study design and quality made synthesis of the data problematic. Allocation concealment was adequate in only two trials. Most data were from areas of multidrug resistant falciparum malaria in South East Asia. Compared with standard antimalarial treatments, artemisinin drugs showed fast parasite clearance and high cure rates at follow-up, provided the duration of treatment with artemisinin drugs was adequate. Combination with mefloquine improved sustained parasite clearance and was effective in multidrug resistant areas. When doses were adequate, the combination shortened the duration of treatment. We found no evidence that artemisinin drugs are more harmful than standard treatment drugs over a typical trial period of 28 days. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The evidence suggests that artemisinin drugs are effective and safe for treating uncomplicated malaria. There is no evidence from randomised trials that one artemisinin derivative is better than the others. In areas where there is mefloquine resistance, combination therapy with an artemisinin derivative appears to improve sustained parasite clearance compared with either drug alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M McIntosh
- Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK, L3 5QA.
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Smith HR, Croft AM, Black MM. Dermatological adverse effects with the antimalarial drug mefloquine: a review of 74 published case reports. Clin Exp Dermatol 1999; 24:249-54. [PMID: 10457122 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.1999.00471.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mefloquine is a relatively new antimalarial drug which has been associated with a wide variety of adverse effects, including skin reactions. In order to evaluate the range and frequency of mefloquine's dermatological effects, we searched the scientific literature for published case reports of such effects. We found 74 case reports, published between the years 1983 and 1997. Pruritus and maculopapular rash are the dermatological effects most commonly associated with mefloquine: their approximate frequency is 4-10% for pruritus, and up to 30% for nonspecific maculopapular rash. Adverse effects associated less commonly with mefloquine include urticaria, facial lesions and cutaneous vasculitis. One case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and one fatal case of toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred. Appropriate primary studies of mefloquine use should be carried out to elucidate the epidemiology and aetiology of dermatological and other adverse effects of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Smith
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London UK
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Khanh NX, de Vries PJ, Ha LD, van Boxtel CJ, Koopmans R, Kager PA. Declining concentrations of dihydroartemisinin in plasma during 5-day oral treatment with artesunate for Falciparum malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999; 43:690-2. [PMID: 10049291 PMCID: PMC89184 DOI: 10.1128/aac.43.3.690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Six patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria received artesunate for 5 days. Plasma concentrations of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The concentrations of dihydroartemisinin in plasma 2 h after a dose showed a time-dependent decline. Concentrations of artesunate in plasma especially after the last dose, were very low. Despite this, all patients responded with a fast recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- N X Khanh
- Institute for Clinical Research in Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- W Peters
- CABI Bioscience, Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
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30
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Batty KT, Thu LT, Davis TM, Ilett KF, Mai TX, Hung NC, Tien NP, Powell SM, Thien HV, Binh TQ, Kim NV. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of intravenous vs oral artesunate in uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1998; 45:123-9. [PMID: 9491824 PMCID: PMC1873351 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.1998.00655.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/1997] [Accepted: 09/19/1997] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To obtain comprehensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for artesunate (ARTS) and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) following i.v. and oral administration of ARTS to patients with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria. METHODS Twenty-six Vietnamese patients with falciparum malaria were randomized to receive either i.v. ARTS (120 mg; group 1) or oral ARTS (100 mg; group 2), with the alternative preparation given 8 h later in an open crossover design. Mefloquine (750 mg) was administered at 24 h. Plasma concentrations of ARTS and DHA were determined by h.p.l.c. assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental methods. The time to 50% parasite clearance (PCT50) was calculated by linear interpolation of parasite density determinations. Linear least squares and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships. RESULTS Following i.v. bolus, ARTS had a peak concentration of 29.5 microM (11 mg l[-1]), elimination t1/2 = 2.7 min, CL = 2.33 l h(-1) kg(-1) and V = 0.14 l kg(-1). The Cmax for DHA was 9.3 microM (2.64 mg l[-1]), t1/2 = 40 min, CL =0.75 l h(-1) kg(-1) and V = 0.76 l kg(-1). Following oral ARTS, relative bioavailability of DHA was 82%, Cmax was 2.6 microM (0.74 mg l[-1]), t1/2 = 39 min, and MAT = 67 min. Overall, the PCT50 and fever clearance time (FCT) were 6.5 h and 24 h, respectively. There was no correlation between PCT50 or FCT and AUC, Cmax or MRT for DHA. CONCLUSIONS Despite rapid clearance of ARTS and DHA in patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, prompt parasite and fever clearance were achieved. High relative bioavailability of DHA following oral ARTS administration, and clinical outcomes comparable with those after i.v. ARTS, support the use of the oral formulation in the primary care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Batty
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital
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Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed the emergence and spread of parasites resistant to standard drug therapies, particularly malaria. Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum has now spread to most malarial areas, and resistance to other antimalarial drugs, including mefloquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, have become significant problems in some parts of Southeast Asia and South America. Chloroquine-resistant P. vivax is well established in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia and has been reported in other areas. Trichomonas and Giardia infections resistant to metronidazole have also been documented. This article reviews the current status of drug resistance among parasites, particularly malaria, and offers strategies for managing patients with these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Barat
- Malaria Epidemiology Section, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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32
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Ziffer H, Highet RJ, Klayman DL. Artemisinin: an endoperoxidic antimalarial from Artemisia annua L. FORTSCHRITTE DER CHEMIE ORGANISCHER NATURSTOFFE = PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS. PROGRES DANS LA CHIMIE DES SUBSTANCES ORGANIQUES NATURELLES 1997; 72:121-214. [PMID: 9369092 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-6527-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Ziffer
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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33
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Price RN, Nosten F, Luxemburger C, van Vugt M, Phaipun L, Chongsuphajaisiddhi T, White NJ. Artesunate/mefloquine treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1997; 91:574-7. [PMID: 9463672 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
On the western border of Thailand, in an area endemic for multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria, therapeutic responses were assessed in 1967 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with 3 d of artesunate (total dose 12 mg/kg) plus mefloquine (total dose 25 mg/kg). The regimen was well tolerated and resulted in a rapid clinical response; within 48 h, 96% of patients were aparasitaemic and 94% were afebrile. After correcting for reinfections, the cure rate by day 42 was 89% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 87-91%). Three independent factors were found to predict recrudescence: age < 14 years (adjusted hazards ratio [AHR] = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), initial parasitaemia greater than > 40,000/microL (AHR = 1.6, 95%, CI 1.2-2.2), and pure P. falciparum infections (AHR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.7). These 3 factors combined accounted for 62% of all treatment failures. Patients who received mefloquine on admission with a high admission parasitaemia (> 40,000/microL) had a three-fold (95% CI 1.3-7) risk of subsequent recrudescence compared with those who received their mefloquine on the second or third day (P = 0.01). There has been no decline in the efficacy of the 3 d artesunate plus mefloquine regimen since it was introduced in 1992. This regimen is safe, well tolerated, and highly effective in the treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Price
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak Province, Thailand.
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34
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Bwijo B, Alin MH, Abbas N, Wernsdorfer W, Björkman A. Efficacy of artemisinin and mefloquine combinations againstPlasmodium falciparum. In vitrosimulation ofin vivopharmacokinetics. Trop Med Int Health 1997. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.1997.tb00168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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35
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Croft AM, Clayton TC, World MJ. Side effects of mefloquine prophylaxis for malaria: an independent randomized controlled trial. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1997; 91:199-203. [PMID: 9196769 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90223-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A prospective randomized double-'blind' trial was undertaken during a military exercise in East Africa to determine whether there was a significant difference in the incidence of side effects experienced by soldiers taking mefloquine 250 mg weekly compared with those taking chloroquine 300 mg weekly and proguanil 200 mg daily as chemoprophylaxis for malaria. Subject to their informed voluntary consent, male soldiers who were not aviators were included in the study. Identical questionnaires were completed voluntarily at the end of 2 and 8 weeks. Symptoms were classified by nature into-'all', 'neuropsychological', 'enteric' and 'other', and by severity into 'severe' and 'very severe'. The proportions of respondents experiencing side effects were compared to seek statistically significant differences between the chemoprophylactic groups. Questionnaire 1 was completed after 2 weeks by 183 of 317 subjects (58%) randomly assigned mefloquine and by 176 of 307 subjects (57%) randomly assigned chloroquine-proguanil. The incidence of putative side effects was not significantly different between the groups (71/183 vs. 70/176), odds ratio 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.47). Questionnaire 2 was completed after 8 weeks by 145 of 317 subjects (46%) randomly assigned mefloquine and by 142 of 307 subjects (46%) randomly assigned chloroquine-proguanil. The incidence of putative side effects was still not significantly different between the groups (95/145 vs. 103/142), odds ratio 0.72 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.19). None of the subjects developed a serious neuropsychological reaction. Among respondents, 12.8% and 38% admitted lack of full compliance at 2 and 8 weeks, respectively. Exclusion of these subjects during a secondary analysis did not affect the results. None of the subjects developed malaria in the 12 months following return to the UK. Subject to the limitations of a response rate that was smaller than desired and the fact that the study was conducted in fit male military personnel, these results support evidence which indicates that mefloquine is no more toxic than chloroquine-proguanil.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Croft
- Ministry of Defence, Army Medical Directorate (AMD5), Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hampshire, UK
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Abstract
The preeminent infectious threat to unwary tropical travelers, malaria is a preventable, mosquito-borne protozoan infection of red blood cells, which causes fever, anemia, respiratory failure, coma, and death. Malaria is a true medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, in two thirds of tropical travelers who die of malaria, either treatment is delayed or the diagnosis is simply missed. Every tropical traveler with fever or unexplained, flu-like illness must be assumed to have life-threatening malaria and must have thick and thin blood smears immediately examined to confirm the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Stanley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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37
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de Vries PJ, Dien TK. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutic potential of artemisinin and its derivatives in the treatment of malaria. Drugs 1996; 52:818-36. [PMID: 8957153 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-199652060-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are renowned for their potent antimalarial activity. They have found their way into clinical use in many areas where malaria is endemic. The in vitro concentration at which artemisinin can inhibit 50% of the growth of Plasmodium falciparum ranges from 3 to 30 micrograms/L. The fat-soluble derivatives artemether and arteether are approximately twice as active. The water-soluble dihydro-artemisinin and artesunate are 4 to 5 times more active in vitro. Artemisinin is available only for oral and rectal administration. Absorption is incomplete and elimination is fast, with and elimination half-life of 2 to 5 hours. Plasma concentrations after a single 500 mg oral dose most often exceed 200 micrograms/L. Artesunate and artemether can be considered as prodrugs. Biotransformation into the active metabolite dihydro-artemisinin occurs rapidly--almost immediately for artesunate. The reported elimination half-life of artesunate is less than 1 hour, and for artemether the figure is 3 to 11 hours. The pharmacokinetics of dihydro-artemisinin are not yet completely clear. Elimination is probably also rapid, with an elimination half-life of a few hours. Arteether, dissolved in oil for intramuscular administration, has a much longer elimination half-life of over 20 hours. The clinical efficacy of this group of drugs is characterised by an almost immediate onset and rapid reduction of parasitaemia, with complete clearance in most cases within 48 hours. Efficacy is high even in areas with multidrug-resistant parasite strains. To prevent recrudescence with monotherapy of these compounds, treatment needs to be extended beyond the disappearance of parasites. After 5 days of therapy the rate of recrudescence is approximately 10%. Alternatively, combination with other drugs can be used. Combination with mefloquine is recommended for areas with multidrug-resistant P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J de Vries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Verlé P, Binh LN, Lieu TT, Yen PT, Coosemans M. ParaSight-F test to diagnose malaria in hypo-endemic and epidemic prone regions of Vietnam. Trop Med Int Health 1996; 1:794-6. [PMID: 8980591 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.1996.tb00112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The antigen capture ParaSight-F test was evaluated during a drug sensitivity survey in a hypoendemic region of northern Vietnam. When only asexual blood forms of P. falciparum were considered, sensitivity of ParaSight-F was 100%, specificity 88% (95% CI 95-80%), positive predictive value 68% (95% CI 85-50%) and negative predictive value 100%. ParaSight-F proved very convenient for rapid screening and selection of patients to enrol in a drug sensitivity study. In northern Vietnam, the introduction of the test as a routine diagnostic tool is not justified, considering its high cost, the necessity to carry out the treatment of presumptive Plasmodium vivax cases and the persistence of positive reactions following treatment. However, the test will be a valuable tool in remote areas in emergency situations, where rapid confirmation of a P. falciparum outbreak is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Verlé
- Department of Parasitology, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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39
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Luxemburger C, Price RN, Nosten F, Ter Kuile FO, Chongsuphajaisiddhi T, White NJ. Mefloquine in infants and young children. ANNALS OF TROPICAL PAEDIATRICS 1996; 16:281-6. [PMID: 8985524 DOI: 10.1080/02724936.1996.11747839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In an area where multi-drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is a particular problem, more than 500 children under 5 years of age weighing > 5 kg were treated with mefloquine, either alone or combined with an artemisinin derivative, and followed up for a minimum of 28 days. The principal adverse effect was vomiting and this was associated with reduced efficacy of treatment (even when treatment was repeated). Later adverse effects occurred less frequently than in adults. There was no serious toxicity and, in particular, there were no neuropsychiatric side-effects. The high dose of mefloquine (25 mg/kg) required in this area is well tolerated by young children. It should be given in a divided dose of 15 mg/kg initially, followed by 10 mg/kg > or = 12 hours later.
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40
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Meshnick SR, Taylor TE, Kamchonwongpaisan S. Artemisinin and the antimalarial endoperoxides: from herbal remedy to targeted chemotherapy. Microbiol Rev 1996; 60:301-15. [PMID: 8801435 PMCID: PMC239445 DOI: 10.1128/mr.60.2.301-315.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are endoperoxide-containing compounds which represent a promising new class of antimalarial drugs. In the presence of intraparasitic iron, these drugs are converted into free radicals and other electrophilic intermediates which then alkylate specific malaria target proteins. Combinations of available derivatives and other antimalarial agents show promise both as first-line agents and in the treatment of severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor 48109-2029, USA.
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Kamchonwongpaisan S, Meshnick SR. The mode of action of the antimalarial artemisinin and its derivatives. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY 1996; 27:587-92. [PMID: 8853288 DOI: 10.1016/0306-3623(95)02047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
1. Atremisinin (qinghaosu) is a sesquiterpene endoperoxide derived from a plant which was used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. 2. Artemisinin and its derivatives have potent antimalarial activity, and are now being used clinically in much of the world. 3. The artemisinin derivatives have an unusual mode of action involving the iron-catalyzed generation of a carbon-centered free radical followed by the alkylation of malaria-specific proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kamchonwongpaisan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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Lokman Hakim S, Sharifah Roohi SW, Zurkurnai Y, Noor Rain A, Mansor SM, Palmer K, Navaratnam V, Mak JW. Plasmodium falciparum: increased proportion of severe resistance (RII and RIII) to chloroquine and high rate of resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Peninsular Malaysia after two decades. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1996; 90:294-7. [PMID: 8758083 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(96)90258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients were randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg/kg chloroquine (CHL) over 3 d or a statim dose of 25 mg/kg sulfadoxine (SDX) plus 1.25 mg/kg pyrimethamine (PYR). Patients were followed up for 28 d and the parasite response graded according to World Health Organization criteria. Overall resistance to CHL was 63.3% and 47.4% to SDX/PYR. RI, RII and RIII rates were 9.1%, 42.4% and 12.1% for CHL and 10.5%, 21.1% and 15.8% for SDX/PYR, respectively. Degree and rates of resistance to CHL were significantly correlated with pre-treatment parasite density, but not those to SDX/PYR. Plasma CHL and SDX/PYR levels were within the reported ranges and were not significantly different in patients with sensitive and resistant responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lokman Hakim
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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43
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Looareesuwan S, Wilairatana P, Vanijanonta S, Pitisuttithum P, Viravan C, Kraisintu K. Treatment of acute, uncomplicated, falciparum malaria with oral dihydroartemisinin. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 1996; 90:21-28. [PMID: 8729624 DOI: 10.1080/00034983.1996.11813022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A clinical trial of oral dihydroartemisinin for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated, falciparum malaria involved 53 adult patients in Thailand. Each received a total dose of 480 mg over 7 days (120 mg given immediately, followed by 60 mg/day) after being admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Bangkok for 28 days. Most (92%) completed the 28-day follow-up but four patients left the hospital early, for reasons unrelated to their treatment. Most patients showed clinical improvement 1-3 days after starting treatment and none suffered from serious adverse reactions. The cure rate was 90% (44/49). The mean (S.D.) parasite-clearance time was 40.4 (14.1) h and the mean fever-clearance time was 37.0 (30.2) h. Seven patients had a brief increase in parasitaemia after initiation of treatment but subsequent counts declined dramatically. Five patients who failed treatment (RI response) were successfully treated with quinine plus tetracycline for 7 days. No RII or RIII responses were observed. These findings indicate that treatment with oral dihydroartemisinin is effective and well tolerated, and that dihydroartemisinin may be suitable as an alternative treatment for acute, uncomplicated, falciparum malaria. Comparisons with other conventional antimalarial drugs in a large, double-blind, randomized trial and studies of dihydroartemisinin in combination with other, long-acting antimalarials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Looareesuwan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J, Molunto P, Banmairuroi V, Thanavibul A. Pharmacokinetics of mefloquine, when given alone and in combination with artemether, in patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1995; 9:576-82. [PMID: 8808179 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.1995.tb00536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of mefloquine at a single oral dose of 750 mg, when given alone or 24 hours after a single oral dose of artemether (300 mg) was investigated in 27 Thai patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria (17 with mefloquine alone, 10 with the combination). The oral bioavailabiiity of mefloquine was significantly decreased when administered 24 hours after an oral dose of artemether. This was evident by the significantly lower values of Cmax, AUC[0-24 h], AUC[0-48 h], AUC[0-72 h], as well as total AUC[Cmax: 1,290 (827-2,619) vs 1,820 (1,283-2,531) ng.ml-1; AUC[0-24 h]: 0.99 (0.64-1.41) vs 1.33 (1.07-1.95) micrograms.day.ml-1; AUC[0-48 h]: 1.78(1.23-2.58) vs 2.67 (2.09-3.84) micrograms.day.ml-1; AUC[0-72 h]: 2.74 (1.63-3.6) vs 4.54 (2.88-5.38) micrograms.day.ml-1; AUC: 11.11 (6-20.96) vs 15.29 (9.3-36.71) micrograms.day.ml-1]. Tmax was also delayed with the combination regimen [14 (5-24) vs 6 (4-16) h]. Terminal elimination half-lives were comparable [t1/2z: 11.1 (6.8-14.3) vs 13.4 (10.5-19.1) h].
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Affiliation(s)
- K Na-Bangchang
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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ter Kuile FO, Luxemburger C, Nosten F, Thwai KL, Chongsuphajaisiddhi T, White NJ. Predictors of mefloquine treatment failure: a prospective study of 1590 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1995; 89:660-4. [PMID: 8594690 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(95)90435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The factors which identify patients at risk of treatment failure were characterized in 1590 children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with 15 or 25 mg/kg of mefloquine on the borders of Thailand. Six independent predictors of failure were identified using multiple logistic regression. Age < or = 2 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.54), 3-15 years (OR 4.4), vomiting < 30 min after a single dose of 25 mg/kg (despite re-administration of the dose) (OR 2.5) and diarrhoea after treatment (OR 3.6) were the strongest predictors of failure by day 7. Parasitaemias > 10 000/mm3 (OR 1.4), and fever with a history of recent vomiting (OR 1.6) were risk factors for recrudescence of the infection between days 10 and 28. Patients treated with mefloquine in the previous 2 months were also at increased risk of failure (OR 2.38), particularly if they were anaemic (haematocrit < 30%) (OR 5.96), which suggested that they had recrudescent infections at presentation. Combined, these 6 factors identified half of all treatment failures. Vomiting and diarrhoea accounted for 24% of the early failures in children. Patients at increased risk of treatment failure should be monitored closely and given early alternative treatment if fever and parasites persist for > or = 3 d.
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Price RN, Nosten F, Luxemburger C, Kham A, Brockman A, Chongsuphajaisiddhi T, White NJ. Artesunate versus artemether in combination with mefloquine for the treatment of multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1995; 89:523-7. [PMID: 8560531 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(95)90094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
To compare the therapeutic efficacy of oral artesunate and artemether in combination with mefloquine for the treatment of multidrug resistant malaria, a trial was conducted in 540 adults and children on the Thai-Myanmar border. Three regimens were compared: artesunate (4 mg/kg/d for 3 d), artemether (4 mg/kg/d for 3 d), both in combination with mefloquine (25 mg/kg), and a single dose of mefloquine (25 mg/kg). The artesunate and artemether regimens gave very similar clinical and parasitological responses, and were both very well tolerated. There was no significant adverse effect attributable to the artemisinin derivatives. Fever and parasite clearance times with mefloquine alone were significantly longer (P < 0.001). After adjusting for reinfections the failure rates were 13.9% for the artesunate combination, 12.3% for the artemether combination and 49.2% for mefloquine alone (P < 0.0001; relative risk 3.8 [95% confidence interval 2.6-5.4]). Mefloquine should no longer be used alone for the treatment of multidrug resistant falciparum malaria in this area. Three-day combination regimens with artesunate or artemether are well tolerated and more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Price
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Tak Province, Thailand
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Looareesuwan S. Overview of clinical studies on artemisinin derivatives in Thailand. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1994; 88 Suppl 1:S9-11. [PMID: 8053034 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(94)90462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 1000 patients have been treated with artesunate or artemether in clinical trials in Thailand since 1988. These drugs have proved rapidly effective and safe. Combination regimens with mefloquine have proved highly effective against multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum infections. Both drugs are now licensed in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Looareesuwan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
The compounds derived from the Chinese medicinal plant qinghao (Artemisia annua) are the most rapidly acting of all antimalarial drugs. They are effective when given parenterally, orally or by suppository. No serious adverse effect has yet been reported in humans. The artemisinin derivatives already have an established role in the treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria, but their wider use will depend on the results of current mortality and toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J White
- Wellcome-Mahidol University, Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Programme, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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49
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Abstract
Prospective randomized trials with oral artemisinin derivatives have been conducted in over 1000 patients to determine the optimum treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria on the Thai-Burmese border. These drugs have proved valuable in 3 settings. (i) Primary treatment of uncomplicated malaria in combination with mefloquine, when they accelerate the rate of recovery, eliminate the risk of dangerous early failures, and if given for 3 d or more improve overall cure rates; (ii) treatment of recrudescent infections, which otherwise have a high failure rate; and (iii) oral treatment of patients with high parasitaemias (> or = 4%) but no clinical evidence of severity (a group who would usually receive parenteral quinine). The parenteral formulation of artemether is absorbed if given rectally, and this may offer a practical alternative method of treating severe malaria in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sod, Thailand
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