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Clark RL. Teratogen update: Malaria in pregnancy and the use of antimalarial drugs in the first trimester. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1403-1449. [PMID: 33079495 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a particular problem in pregnancy because of enhanced sensitivity, the possibility of placental malaria, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Artemisinin-containing combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective antimalarials known. WHO recommends 7-day quinine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the first trimester despite the superior tolerability and efficacy of 3-day ACT regimens because artemisinins caused embryolethality and/or cardiovascular malformations at relatively low doses in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The developmental toxicity of artesunate, artemether, and DHA were similar in rats but artesunate was embryotoxic at lower doses in rabbits (5 mg/kg/day) than artemether (no effect level = 25 mg/kg/day). In clinical studies in Africa, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester was observed to be highly efficacious and the miscarriage rate (≤3.1%) was similar to no antimalarial treatment (2.6%). When data from the first-trimester use of largely artesunate-based therapies in Thailand were pooled together, there was no difference in miscarriage rate compared to quinine. However, individually, artesunate-mefloquine was associated with a higher miscarriage rate (15/71 = 21%) compared to other artemisinin-based therapies including 7-day artesunate + clindamycin (2/50 = 4%) and quinine (92/842 = 11%). Thus, appropriate statistical comparisons of individual ACT groups are needed prior to assuming that they all have the same risk for developmental toxicity. Current limitations in the assessment of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester are a lack of exposures early in gestation (gestational weeks 6-7), limited postnatal evaluation for cardiovascular malformations, and the pooling of all ACTs for the assessment of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
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Saito M, Mansoor R, Kennon K, Anvikar AR, Ashley EA, Chandramohan D, Cohee LM, D'Alessandro U, Genton B, Gilder ME, Juma E, Kalilani-Phiri L, Kuepfer I, Laufer MK, Lwin KM, Meshnick SR, Mosha D, Mwapasa V, Mwebaza N, Nambozi M, Ndiaye JLA, Nosten F, Nyunt M, Ogutu B, Parikh S, Paw MK, Phyo AP, Pimanpanarak M, Piola P, Rijken MJ, Sriprawat K, Tagbor HK, Tarning J, Tinto H, Valéa I, Valecha N, White NJ, Wiladphaingern J, Stepniewska K, McGready R, Guérin PJ. Efficacy and tolerability of artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in pregnancy: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 20:943-952. [PMID: 32530424 PMCID: PMC7391007 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy affects both the mother and the fetus. However, evidence supporting treatment guidelines for uncomplicated (including asymptomatic) falciparum malaria in pregnant women is scarce and assessed in varied ways. We did a systematic literature review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and tolerability of different artemisinin-based or quinine-based treatments for malaria in pregnant women. METHODS We did a systematic review of interventional or observational cohort studies assessing the efficacy of artemisinin-based or quinine-based treatments in pregnancy. Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciencias da Saude) and two clinical trial registries (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched. The final search was done on April 26, 2019. Studies that assessed PCR-corrected treatment efficacy in pregnancy with follow-up of 28 days or more were included. Investigators of identified studies were invited to share data from individual patients. The outcomes assessed included PCR-corrected efficacy, PCR-uncorrected efficacy, parasite clearance, fever clearance, gametocyte development, and acute adverse events. One-stage IPD meta-analysis using Cox and logistic regression with random-effects was done to estimate the risk factors associated with PCR-corrected treatment failure, using artemether-lumefantrine as the reference. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018104013. FINDINGS Of the 30 studies assessed, 19 were included, representing 92% of patients in the literature (4968 of 5360 episodes). Risk of PCR-corrected treatment failure was higher for the quinine monotherapy (n=244, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 6·11, 95% CI 2·57-14·54, p<0·0001) but lower for artesunate-amodiaquine (n=840, 0·27, 95% 0·14-0·52, p<0·0001), artesunate-mefloquine (n=1028, 0·56, 95% 0·34-0·94, p=0·03), and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (n=872, 0·35, 95% CI 0·18-0·68, p=0·002) than artemether-lumefantrine (n=1278) after adjustment for baseline asexual parasitaemia and parity. The risk of gametocyte carriage on day 7 was higher after quinine-based therapy than artemisinin-based treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 7·38, 95% CI 2·29-23·82). INTERPRETATION Efficacy and tolerability of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in pregnant women are better than quinine. The lower efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine compared with other ACTs might require dose optimisation. FUNDING The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ExxonMobil Foundation, and the University of Oxford Clarendon Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Dr Makoto Saito, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK
| | - Rashid Mansoor
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kalynn Kennon
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anupkumar R Anvikar
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Daniel Chandramohan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Blaise Genton
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Linda Kalilani-Phiri
- Department of Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Irene Kuepfer
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Khin Maung Lwin
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, NC, USA
| | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Norah Mwebaza
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Nambozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - François Nosten
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Myaing Nyunt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Sunil Parikh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Myanmar–Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Mupawjay Pimanpanarak
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patrice Piola
- Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Woman and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kanlaya Sriprawat
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Harry K Tagbor
- School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joel Tarning
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Neena Valecha
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Nicholas J White
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jacher Wiladphaingern
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK,Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Correspondence to: Prof Philippe J Guérin, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK
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D'Alessandro S, Menegola E, Parapini S, Taramelli D, Basilico N. Safety of Artemisinin Derivatives in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Controversial Story. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153505. [PMID: 32752056 PMCID: PMC7435965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria both in adults and children. During pregnancy, ACT is considered safe only in the second and third trimester, since animal studies have demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives can cause foetal death and congenital malformation within a narrow time window in early embryogenesis. During this period, artemisinin derivatives induce defective embryonic erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in experimental models. However, clinical data on the safety profile of ACT in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital malformation, nor low birth weight, associated with exposure to artemisinins in the first trimester. Although further studies are needed, the evidence collected up to now is prompting the WHO towards a change in the guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, allowing the use of ACT also in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Menegola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Saito M, Gilder ME, McGready R, Nosten F. Antimalarial drugs for treating and preventing malaria in pregnant and lactating women. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2018; 17:1129-1144. [PMID: 30351243 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1535593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria in pregnancy and postpartum cause maternal mortality and adverse fetal outcomes. Efficacious and safe antimalarials are needed to treat and prevent such serious consequences. However, because of the lack of evidence on fetal safety, quinine, an old and less efficacious drug has long been recommended for pregnant women. Uncertainty about safety in relation to breastfeeding leads to withholding of efficacious treatments postpartum or cessation of breastfeeding. Areas covered: A search identified literature on humans in three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Global health) using pregnancy or lactation, and the names of antimalarial drugs as search terms. Adverse reactions to the mother, fetus or breastfed infant were summarized together with efficacies. Expert opinion: Artemisinins are more efficacious and well-tolerated than quinine in pregnancy. Furthermore, the risks of miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital abnormality were not higher in pregnancies exposed to artemisinin derivatives for treatment of malaria than in pregnancies exposed to quinine or in the comparable background population unexposed to any antimalarials, and this was true for treatment in any trimester. Assessment of safety and efficacy of antimalarials including dose optimization for pregnant women is incomplete. Resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Plasmodium falciparum and long unprotected intervals between intermittent treatment doses begs reconsideration of current preventative recommendations in pregnancy. Data remain limited on antimalarials during breastfeeding; while most first-line drugs appear safe, further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Tak , Thailand.,b Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,c WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN) , Oxford , UK
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Tak , Thailand
| | - Rose McGready
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Tak , Thailand.,b Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - François Nosten
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Tak , Thailand.,b Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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Saito M, Gilder ME, Nosten F, Guérin PJ, McGready R. Methodology of assessment and reporting of safety in anti-malarial treatment efficacy studies of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in pregnancy: a systematic literature review. Malar J 2017; 16:491. [PMID: 29254487 PMCID: PMC5735519 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the uncertainty of safety of anti-malarial drugs in pregnancy, efficacy studies are one of the few sources of clinical safety data. Complete safety evaluation is not usually incorporated in efficacy studies due to financial and human resource constraints. This review reports the methods used for the assessment of safety of artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatments in efficacy studies in pregnancy. Methods Methodology of assessment and reporting of safety in efficacy studies of artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatment in pregnancy was reviewed using seven databases and two clinical trial registries. The protocol was registered to PROSPERO (CRD42017054808). Results Of 48 eligible efficacy studies the method of estimation of gestational age was reported in only 32 studies (67%, 32/48) and ultrasound was used in 18 studies (38%, 18/48). Seventeen studies (35%, 17/48) reported parity, 9 (19%, 9/48) reported gravidity and 13 (27%, 13/48) reported both. Thirty-eight studies (79%, 38/48) followed participants through to pregnancy outcome. Fetal loss was assessed in 34 studies (89%, 34/38), but the definition of miscarriage and stillbirth were defined only in 11 (32%, 11/34) and 7 (21%, 7/34) studies, respectively. Preterm birth was assessed in 26 studies (68%, 26/38) but was defined in 16 studies (62%, 16/26). Newborn weight was assessed in 30 studies (79%, 30/38) and length in 10 studies (26%, 10/38). Assessment of birth weight took gestational age into account in four studies (13%, 4/30). Congenital abnormalities were reported in 32 studies (84%, 32/38). Other common risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes were not well-reported. Conclusion Incomplete reporting and varied methodological assessment of pregnancy outcomes in anti-malarial drug efficacy studies limits comparison across studies. A standard list of minimal necessary parameters to assess and report the safety component of efficacy studies of anti-malarials in pregnancy is proposed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2136-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK. .,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand.
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
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Saito M, Gilder ME, Nosten F, McGready R, Guérin PJ. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in pregnancy: methodological challenges. Malar J 2017; 16:488. [PMID: 29237461 PMCID: PMC5729448 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is no agreed standard method to assess the efficacy of anti-malarials for uncomplicated falciparum in pregnancy despite an increased risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and the fetus. The aim of this review is to present the currently available evidence from both observational and interventional cohort studies on anti-malarial efficacy in pregnancy and summarize the variability of assessment and reporting found in the review process. Methods Efficacy methodology and assessment of artemisinin-based treatments (ABT) and quinine-based treatments (QBT) were reviewed systematically using seven databases and two clinical trial registries (protocol registration—PROSPERO: CRD42017054808). Pregnant women in all trimesters with parasitologically confirmed uncomplicated falciparum malaria were included irrespective of symptoms. This review attempted to re-calculate proportions of treatment success applying the same definition as the standard WHO methodology for non-pregnant populations. Aggregated data meta-analyses using data from randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing different treatments were performed by random effects model. Results A total of 48 eligible efficacy studies were identified including 7279 treated Plasmodium falciparum episodes. While polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in 24 studies for differentiating recurrence, the assessment and reporting of treatment efficacy was heterogeneous. When the same definition could be applied, PCR-corrected treatment failure of ≥ 10% at any time points was observed in 3/30 ABT and 3/7 QBT arms. Ten RCTs compared different combinations of ABT but there was a maximum of two published RCTs with PCR-corrected outcomes for each comparison. Five RCTs compared ABT and QBT. Overall, the risk of treatment failure was significantly lower in ABT than in QBT (risk ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.63), although the actual drug combinations and outcome endpoints were different. First trimester women were included in 12 studies none of which were RCTs of ABT. Conclusions Efficacy studies in pregnancy are not only limited in number but use varied methodological assessments. In five RCTs with comparable methodology, ABT resulted in higher efficacy than QBT in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Individual patient data meta-analysis can include data from observational cohort studies and could overcome some of the limitations of the current assessment given the paucity of data in this vulnerable group. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2135-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK. .,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand.
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
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Gomes C, Boareto AC, Dalsenter PR. Clinical and non-clinical safety of artemisinin derivatives in pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:194-203. [PMID: 27506918 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy is a clinically wasting infectious disease, where drug therapy has to be promptly initiated. Currently, the treatment of this infection depends on the use of artemisinin derivatives. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of these drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy due to non-clinical findings that have shown embryolethality and teratogenic effects. Nevertheless, until now, this toxicity has not been proved in humans. Artemisinin derivatives mechanisms of embryotoxicity are related to depletion of circulating embryonic primitive erythroblasts. Species differences in this sensitive period for toxicity and the presence of malaria infection, which could reduce drug distribution to the fetus, are significant to the risk assessment of artemisinin derivatives treatment to pregnant women. In this review we aimed to assess the results of non-clinical and clinical studies with artemisinin derivatives, their mechanisms of embryotoxicity and discuss the safety of their use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Boareto
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Moore KA, Simpson JA, Paw MK, Pimanpanarak M, Wiladphaingern J, Rijken MJ, Jittamala P, White NJ, Fowkes FJI, Nosten F, McGready R. Safety of artemisinins in first trimester of prospectively followed pregnancies: an observational study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:576-583. [PMID: 26869377 PMCID: PMC4835584 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinins, the most effective antimalarials available, are not recommended for falciparum malaria during the first trimester of pregnancy because of safety concerns. Therefore, quinine is used despite its poor effectiveness. Assessing artemisinin safety requires weighing the risks of malaria and its treatment. We aimed to assess the effect of first-trimester malaria and artemisinin treatment on miscarriage and major congenital malformations. METHODS In this observational study, we assessed data from antenatal clinics on the Thai-Myanmar border between Jan 1, 1994, and Dec 31, 2013. We included women who presented to antenatal clinics during their first trimester with a viable fetus. Women were screened for malaria, and data on malaria, antimalarial treatment, and birth outcomes were collected. The relationship between artemisinin treatments (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, or artemether) and miscarriage or malformation was assessed using Cox regression with left-truncation and time-varying exposures. FINDINGS Of 55 636 pregnancies registered between 1994 and 2013, 25 485 pregnancies were analysed for first-trimester malaria and miscarriage, in which 2558 (10%) had first-trimester malaria. The hazard of miscarriage increased 1·61-fold after an initial first-trimester falciparum episode (95% CI 1·32-1·97; p<0·0001), 3·24-fold following falciparum recurrence (2·24-4·68; p<0·0001), and 2·44-fold (1·01-5·88; p=0·0473) following recurrent symptomatic vivax malaria. No difference was noted in miscarriage in first-line falciparum treatments with artemisinin (n=183) versus quinine (n=842; HR 0·78 [95% CI 0·45-1·34]; p=0·3645) or in risk of major congenital malformations (two [2%] of 109 [95% CI 0·22-6·47] versus eight (1%) of 641 [0·54-2·44], respectively). INTERPRETATION First-trimester falciparum and vivax malaria both increase the risk of miscarriage. We noted no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage or of major congenital malformations associated with first-line treatment with an artemisinin derivative compared with quinine. In view of the low efficacy of quinine and wide availability of highly effective artemisinin-based combination therapies, it is time to reconsider first-trimester antimalarial treatment recommendations. FUNDING The Wellcome Trust and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerryn A Moore
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - MuPawJay Pimanpanarak
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Jacher Wiladphaingern
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Podjanee Jittamala
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Tagbor H, Antwi G, Dogbe J. Safety of antimalarial drugs exposure during early pregnancy. Res Rep Trop Med 2014; 5:23-33. [PMID: 32669889 PMCID: PMC7337211 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s34683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inadequately controlled malaria infection in pregnancy is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes. However, there are important questions about drug safety for mothers with malaria and their fetuses as, currently, there is limited safety data on many of the medications used. The objective of this review is to determine from published evidence the safety of antimalarial drugs exposure during early pregnancy, focusing on abortions, stillbirths, and congenital abnormalities. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Malaria in Pregnancy databases from their inception to June 2013, inclusive, for reports published in English only. Data were extracted on exposure to antimalarial drugs during early pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes including congenital abnormalities, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Results Twenty-two publications including one abstract with a total of 6,333 early pregnancy exposures to antimalarial agents used for treatment and/or prevention of malaria in pregnancy met the inclusion criteria. More than 40% of the pregnancies were exposed to mefloquine, about 10% to artemisinin based regimens and, 15.2% and 14.7% were exposed to chloroquine and quinine, respectively. A total of 1,199 adverse outcomes including abortions, stillbirths, and congenital abnormalities were reported. The reported absolute risks of adverse outcomes were similar for all the antimalarial exposures, but, in two publications, increased risk of stillbirths was linked to mefloquine exposure. Extensive heterogeneity and variability in the way in which authors assessed, recorded, and reported safety data precluded formal meta-analysis. Conclusion The absolute estimates of risks obtained in the included studies are difficult to interpret and the clinical significance of any association of adverse outcomes reported with antimalarial exposure in early pregnancy is uncertain. Well planned, executed, and analyzed studies are needed to confirm whether there is increased risk for adverse fetal outcomes attributable to exposure of first trimester pregnancies to antimalarials compared to relevant controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joslin Dogbe
- Department of Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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11
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Madadi P, Enato EFO, Walfisch A. Actionable theranostics for global maternal health: a focus on HIV and malaria. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 12:831-40. [DOI: 10.1586/erm.12.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Mutabingwa TK, Adam I. Use of artemether-lumefantrine to treat malaria during pregnancy: what do we know and need to know? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2013; 11:125-35. [PMID: 23409819 DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Artemether-lumefantrine is a fixed-dose combination containing 20 mg artemether/120 mg lumefantrine per tablet, used for treating uncomplicated malaria in patients weighing ≥5 kg. It is the first artemisinin-based combination registered in some European countries and in the USA. It is marketed in Europe as Riamet(®) (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) and in malaria-endemic countries as Coartem(®) (Novartis). Safety concerns prevent early pregnancy usage, while limited postmarketing surveillance has delayed safety assessment and policy development. Large clinical studies, postmarketing surveillance and pharmacovigillance ongoing in some countries may soon bridge safety issues. Fatty diet requirements for optimal absorption, pregnancy-induced changes in pharmacokinetics, pregnancy-related anorexia and food taboos, and emerging reduced parasite sensitivity to artemisinin, challenges optimal artemether-lumefantrine dosing and efficacy during pregnancy. This evaluation addresses drug usage, safety concerns following early exposure, implications for changed pharmacokinetics and reduced parasite susceptibility. Clinical-use updates and strategies to address some knowledge gaps including key operational research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theonest K Mutabingwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 322 Regent Estate, PO Box 65300, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
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Adam I, A-Elbasit IE, Idris SM, Malik EM, Elbashir MI. A comparison of the efficacy of artesunate plus sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine with that of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine alone, in the treatment of uncomplicated,Plasmodiumfalciparummalaria in eastern Sudan. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 99:449-55. [PMID: 16004704 DOI: 10.1179/136485905x36299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In an open, randomized, clinical trial, conducted in New Halfa, eastern Sudan, in September-October 2004, the efficacies and adverse effects of artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), in the treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, were compared with those of SP alone. Patients were randomized to receive either artesunate (4 mg/kg. day) on days 0-2 plus SP (25 mg sulfadoxine/kg) on day 0 or the SP alone, and then followed-up for 28 days. Sixty patients completed follow-up. Compared with the 30 given artesunate plus SP (ASP), the 30 given SP alone were much more likely to be febrile (30% v. 3.3%; P=0.006) and parasitaemic (50% v. 6.7%; P<00001) on day 1. By day 3, 16.7% of the patients given SP alone were still febrile and 6.7% of them were still parasitaemic, although all the patients given ASP were then afebrile (P=0.02) and aparasitaemic (P=0.1). Five (16.7%) of the patients treated with SP alone but none of those given ASP appeared to be treatment failures (P<0.05). Parasite genotyping revealed that four of the five apparent treatment failures were true recrudescences but the other represented a re-infection detected on day 28. The true frequencies of cure by day 28 were therefore 100% for ASP and 86.7% for SP alone (P=0.02). Adverse effects of treatment (nausea, itching and giddiness) were observed with similar frequencies in the two treatment arms (10.0% of the patients given ASP v. 13.3% of the patients given SP alone; P>0.05). The frequencies of gametocytaemia during follow-up were, however, much lower in the ASP arm than in the SP-only (0.0% v. 23.3%; P=0.005).Thus, although the problems posed by adverse effects were similar in the two treatment arms, ASP appeared markedly better, in terms of fever- and parasite-clearance times and the prevalence of post-treatment gametocytaemia, than SP alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Adam
- New Halfa Teaching Hospital, Sudan.
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14
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Hamed K, Grueninger H. Coartem ®: a decade of patient-centric malaria management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2012; 10:645-659. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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15
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Manyando C, Kayentao K, D'Alessandro U, Okafor HU, Juma E, Hamed K. A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria during pregnancy. Malar J 2012; 11:141. [PMID: 22548983 PMCID: PMC3405476 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy, particularly Plasmodium falciparum malaria, has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality, which must be reduced by both preventive measures and effective case management. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and quinine plus clindamycin during the first trimester. However, the national policies of many African countries currently recommend quinine throughout pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a summary of the available data on the safety and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in pregnancy. An English-language search identified 16 publications from 1989 to October 2011 with reports of artemether or AL exposure in pregnancy, including randomized clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews. Overall, there were 1,103 reports of AL use in pregnant women: 890 second/third trimester exposures; 212 first trimester exposures; and one case where the trimester of exposure was not reported. In the second and third trimesters, AL was not associated with increased adverse pregnancy outcomes as compared with quinine or sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, showed improved tolerability relative to quinine, and its efficacy was non-inferior to quinine. There is evidence to suggest that the pharmacokinetics of anti-malarial drugs may change in pregnancy, although the impact on efficacy and safety needs to be studied further, especially since the majority of studies report high cure rates and adequate tolerability. As there are fewer reports of AL safety in the first trimester, additional data are required to assess the potential to use AL in the first trimester. Though the available safety and efficacy data support the use of AL in the second and third trimesters, there is still a need for further information. These findings reinforce the WHO recommendation to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria with quinine plus clindamycin in early pregnancy and ACT in later pregnancy.
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Clark RL. Effects of artemisinins on reticulocyte count and relationship to possible embryotoxicity in confirmed and unconfirmed malarial patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 94:61-75. [PMID: 22125126 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.22868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Rat studies suggest that artemisinin-induced decreases in reticulocyte count are a marker for embryotoxicity (in one study, r = 0.82; p < 0.05). In clinical studies, therapeutic doses of artemisinins induced decreases in reticulocyte count that were larger in five of six groups of healthy volunteers (mean decreases of 47-75%) than in 12 groups of patients with malaria (mean decreases of 0-34% and incidences of low reticulocyte count of 0.6-18%). Malaria causes hypoferremia and drug concentrates in infected red cells so, among the explanations for the lesser decreases in patients, is that malaria protects against artemisinin-induced decreases in reticulocyte count by reducing the target tissue levels of active drug and/or ferrous iron which activates the drug to toxic free radicals. The disease could also protect against embryotoxicity in which case pregnant women without malaria would be at greater risk of artemisinin-induced embryotoxicity. Malaria protection against artesunate toxicity has been observed in rats. No artemisinin-induced embryotoxicity has been identified in limited numbers of women with confirmed malaria in the first trimester. However, in large parts of tropical Africa, malaria treatment is based on fever rather than confirmation of parasitemia and many pregnant women without malaria are exposed to antimalarials. No clinical studies have been conducted on uninfected women for whom pregnancy was identified and then an artemisinin was administered subsequently. Testing in rats and/or humans is needed to determine if malaria protects against reticulocytopenia and embryotoxicity and whether the parasite is a more or less sensitive target than the embryo and reticulocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, 1758 Allentown Road, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Increased pfmdr1 copy number and sequence polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Sudanese malaria patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:5408-11. [PMID: 21896916 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05102-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular markers for surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to current antimalarials are sorely needed. A 28-day efficacy study of artemether-lumefantrine in eastern Sudan identified 5 treatment failures among 100 evaluable patients; 9 further individuals were parasite positive by PCR during follow-up. Polymorphisms in pfatpase6 and pfmdr1 were evaluated by DNA sequencing. One individual carried parasites with a novel pfmdr1 polymorphism (F1044L). pfmdr1 gene amplification in parasites prior to treatment occurred in three individuals who had recurrent infection during follow-up.
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McGready R, White NJ, Nosten F. Parasitological efficacy of antimalarials in the treatment and prevention of falciparum malaria in pregnancy 1998 to 2009: a systematic review. BJOG 2010; 118:123-35. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02810.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Non—malarial fever among pregnant women in Medani Hospital, Sudan: diagnostic uncertainty and overtreatment with quinine. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(10)60095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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20
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Severe embryotoxicity of artemisinin derivatives in experimental animals, but possibly safe in pregnant women. Molecules 2009; 15:40-57. [PMID: 20110870 PMCID: PMC6256922 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies in rodents have demonstrated that artemisinins, especially injectable artesunate, can induce fetal death and congenital malformations at a low dose range. The embryotoxicity can be induced in those animals only within a narrow window in early embryogenesis. Evidence was presented that the mechanism by which embryotoxicity of artemisinins occurs seems to be limited to fetal erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis/ angiogenesis on the very earliest developing red blood cells, causing severe anemia in the embryos with higher drug peak concentrations. However, this embryotoxicity has not been convincingly observed in clinical trials from 1,837 pregnant women, including 176 patients in the first trimester exposed to an artemisinin agent or artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) from 1989 to 2009. In the rodent, the sensitive early red cells are produced synchronously over one day with single or multiple exposures to the drug can result in a high proportion of cell deaths. In contrast, primates required a longer period of treatment of 12 days to induce such embryonic loss. In humans only limited information is available about this stage of red cell development; however, it is known to take place over a longer time period, and it may well be that a limited period of treatment of 2 to 3 days for malaria would not produce serious toxic effects. In addition, current oral intake, the most commonly used route of administration in pregnant women with an ACT, results in lower peak concentration and shorter exposure time of artemisinins that demonstrated that such a concentration–course profile is unlikely to induce the embryotoxicity. When relating the animal and human toxicity of artemisinins, the different drug sensitive period and pharmacokinetic profiles as reviewed in the present report may provide a great margin of safety in the pregnant women.
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McGready R, Nosten F. Which drug is effective and safe for acute malaria in pregnancy? Reviewing the evidence. Drug Dev Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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22
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Longo M, Zanoncelli S, Della Torre P, Rosa F, Giusti A, Colombo P, Brughera M, Mazué G, Olliaro P. Investigations of the effects of the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX). Reprod Toxicol 2008; 25:433-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Revised: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Keiser J, Rinaldi L, Veneziano V, Mezzino L, Tanner M, Utzinger J, Cringoli G. Efficacy and safety of artemether against a natural Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:517-22. [PMID: 18481085 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Triclabendazole is the current drug of choice against Fasciola spp. infections in livestock, but resistance has become a major problem. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of artemether, a derivative of artemisinin, in sheep with a low natural Fasciola hepatica infection. Artemether was administered orally or intramuscularly; sheep were monitored for 8 h posttreatment and then once daily for adverse events, and drug efficacy was estimated by fecal egg count reductions and worm burden reductions. Single 40- and 80-mg/kg oral doses of artemether showed no effect on F. hepatica egg and worm burden. Treatment with a single 160-mg/kg intramuscular dose of artemether significantly reduced the egg burden (64.9%) and worm burden (91.3%). At half this dose, a worm burden reduction of 65.3% was obtained, which was still statistically significant (P < 0.05). The lowest intramuscular dose of artemether investigated (40 mg/kg) yielded no effect on egg counts and worm burden. There were no adverse events due to artemether; however, two abortions were observed 7 days posttreatment. In conclusion, artemether shows interesting fasciocidal properties in sheep, but embryotoxicity is of concern. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential of additional artemisinin derivatives and other peroxidic compounds for the treatment of Fasciola spp. infections in different ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
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24
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Dellicour S, Hall S, Chandramohan D, Greenwood B. The safety of artemisinins during pregnancy: a pressing question. Malar J 2007; 6:15. [PMID: 17300719 PMCID: PMC1802871 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-6-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2007] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa are changing to artemisinins combination therapy (ACT) as first or second line treatment for malaria. There is an urgent need to assess the safety of these drugs in pregnant women who may be inadvertently exposed to or actively treated with ACTs. Objectives To examine existing published evidence on the relationship between artemisinin compounds and adverse pregnancy outcomes and consider the published evidence with regard to the safety of these compounds when administered during pregnancy. Methods Studies on ACT use in pregnancy were identified via searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Current Contents databases. Data on study characteristics, maternal adverse events, pregnancy outcomes and infant follow up were extracted. Results Fourteen relevant studies (nine descriptive/case reports and five controlled trials) were identified. Numbers of participants in these studies ranged from six to 461. Overall there were reports on 945 women exposed to an artemisinin during pregnancy, 123 in the 1st trimester and 822 in 2nd or 3rd trimesters. The primary end points for these studies were drug efficacy and parasite clearance. Secondary endpoints were birth outcomes including low birth weight, pre-term birth, pregnancy loss, congenital anomalies and developmental milestones. While none of the studies found evidence for an association between the use of artemisinin compounds and increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, none were of sufficient size to detect small differences in event rates that could be of public health importance. Heterogeneity between studies in the artemisinin and comparator drugs used, and in definitions of adverse pregnancy outcomes, limited any pooled analysis. Conclusion The limited data available suggest that artemisinins are effective and unlikely to be cause of foetal loss or abnormalities, when used in late pregnancy. However, none of these studies had adequate power to rule out rare serious adverse events, even in 2nd and 3rd trimesters and there is not enough evidence to effectively assess the risk-benefit profile of artemisinin compounds for pregnant women particularly for 1st trimester exposure. Methodologically rigorous, larger studies and post-marketing pharmacovigilance are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 50, Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK
| | - Susan Hall
- Worldwide Epidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA
| | - Daniel Chandramohan
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Brian Greenwood
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, 50, Bedford Square London, WC1B 3DP, UK
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Nosten F, McGready R, Mutabingwa T. Case management of malaria in pregnancy. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2007; 7:118-25. [PMID: 17251082 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(07)70023-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In all malarious areas, infection by any of the main human plasmodial species during pregnancy is detrimental to the mother and the fetus. These potentially fatal infections must be prevented, but when they develop they require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Current tools to detect malaria parasites in pregnant women are often not used and remain too insensitive to detect a low parasitaemia. The kinetics, safety, and efficacy of available antimalarial drugs are poorly documented because pregnant women are systematically excluded from clinical trials. A considerable effort, involving clinical trials, is urgently required to improve the diagnosis and case management of malaria during pregnancy if the morbidity and mortality of maternal malaria is to be reduced.
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McGready R, Stepniewska K, Lindegardh N, Ashley EA, La Y, Singhasivanon P, White NJ, Nosten F. The pharmacokinetics of artemether and lumefantrine in pregnant women with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2006; 62:1021-31. [PMID: 17053895 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-006-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetic properties of artemether and lumefantrine (AL) in pregnant women with recrudescent uncomplicated multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria. METHODS Pregnant women who had recurrence of parasitaemia following 7 days supervised quinine treatment were treated with AL. Serial blood samples were taken over a 7-day period, and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. For lumefantrine, these data were compared in a population pharmacokinetic model with data from non-pregnant, mainly male adults with acute malaria. RESULTS The pregnant women (five in the second trimester and eight in the third trimester) had lower concentrations of artemether, dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine, and the elimination of lumefantrine in pregnant women was more rapid than reported previously in non-pregnant adults. CONCLUSION Pregnancy is associated with reduced plasma concentrations of both artemether and lumefantrine. This is likely to be of therapeutic significance as plasma concentrations of lumefantrine, after elimination of artemether, are an important determinant of cure. Further studies are needed to determine the optimum dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, P.O. Box 46, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Artemisinin-based combination treatments have been the mainstay of treatment for falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia for more than 10 years and are now increasingly recommended as first-line treatment throughout the rest of the world. RECENT FINDINGS A large multicentre randomised trial conducted in East Asia has shown a 35% reduction in mortality from severe malaria following treatment with parenteral artesunate compared with quinine. There is increasing evidence that artemisinin-based combination treatments are safe and rapidly effective. Artemether-lumefantrine (six doses) has been shown to be very effective in large trials reported from Uganda and Tanzania. A once daily three-dose treatment of dihydroartemisinin piperaquine, a newer fixed combination, was a highly efficacious and well tolerated treatment for multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia. SUMMARY Early diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated malaria with effective drugs remains a priority as part of a comprehensive malaria control strategy. Artemisinin-based combination treatments have consistently been shown to be highly effective and safe. The challenge is to make them accessible in tropical countries.
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Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity worldwide, and leads to poor birth outcomes. There is a complex interaction between pregnancy and parasite-all favour the parasite and disadvantage the pregnant woman. Women who are semi-immune lose much of that immunity. They may present with placental malaria but with no parasites in their peripheral blood. A non-immune pregnant women and her fetus are at serious risk from falciparum malaria. The diagnosis and management of malaria in pregnancy, including the safety of antimalarial drugs and interactions of malaria with HIV in pregnancy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J M Whitty
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Adam I, A-Elbasit IE, Elbashir MI. Efficacies of mefloquine alone and of artesunate followed by mefloquine, for the treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2005; 99:111-7. [PMID: 15814029 DOI: 10.1179/136485905x19801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In late 2003, the efficacies of mefloquine monotherapy and of an artesunate-mefloquine combination, for the oral treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, were investigated and compared in New Halfa, in eastern Sudan. Of the patients who completed the 28 days of follow-up, 40 were treated only with single-dose mefloquine (at a dose of 25 mg/kg), and 38 with artesunate (at 4 mg/kg. day) for 3 days followed by single-dose mefloquine (at 15 mg/kg), given on the third day. Compared with those given the combination, the patients given mefloquine alone were more likely to suffer nausea, vomiting and dizziness (25.0% v. 2.6%; P=0.005) and to be found gametocytaemic (12.5% v. 0%; P=0.02) after treatment, and more likely to be found febrile (i.e. with a temperature >37.5 degrees C) on day 2 (25.0% v. 2.6%; P=0.005), although no patients were found febrile on day 3. Six of the patients--three (7.5%) of those given mefloquine only and three (7.9%) of those given the combination (P>0.05)--appeared to be treatment failures. Parasite genotyping indicated, however, that, although five of these six patients had true recrudescences, one (who had been treated with the combination) had been re-infected during the follow-up. The true frequencies of cure were therefore 92.5% after mefloquine alone and 94.7% after the combination (P>0.05). Thus, although the treatments appeared equally effective in clearing parasitaemias, the combination was better at clearing gametocytaemias and was less likely to cause adverse side-effects. It remains unclear why mefloquine given alone was almost 10-fold more likely to trigger adverse effects than treatment with a combination that contained the same drug. This may be a reflection of the different mefloquine doses and, for the patients given the combination, of the use of artesunate before the mefloquine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Adam
- New Halfa Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 61, New Halfa, Sudan.
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30
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Adam I, Osman ME, Elghzali G, Ahmed GI, Gustafssons LL, Elbashir MI. Efficacies of chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and quinine in the treatment of uncomplicated, Plasmodium falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2005; 98:661-6. [PMID: 15509420 DOI: 10.1179/000349804225021514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The efficacies of several antimalarial drugs in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were compared, during an open, randomized trial, in New Halfa, eastern Sudan. The 96 patients who completed the 28 days of follow-up were treated with chloroquine (N = 26), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (N = 38) or quinine (N = 32). No treatment failures were observed among the patients given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Only 23.1% of the patients given chloroquine showed adequate clinical response, however, the rest showing early (15.4%) or, more frequently, late (61.5%) treatment failure. In terms of parasitological failure, 54.1% of the patients given chloroquine showed early RI resistance, 7.7% showed late RI, and 15.1% showed RIII. Most (90.6%) of the patients treated with quinine had adequate treatment responses, the rest having late treatment failures (and late RI). The frequency of treatment failure was significantly higher, however, among the patients given chloroquine than in the quinine-treatment arm. The present results and those of earlier investigations indicate that the problem of chloroquine resistance is worsening in eastern Sudan, and that the use of chloroquine as the first-line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in this area is now compromised. The response to quinine may also be faltering.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Adam
- New Halfa Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 61, New Halfa, Sudan.
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