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Hama Diallo A, Shahid ASMSB, Khan AF, Saleem AF, Singa BO, Gnoumou BS, Tigoi C, Achieng C, Bourdon C, Oduol C, Lancioni CL, Manyasi C, McGrath CJ, Maronga C, Lwanga C, Brals D, Ahmed D, Mondal D, Denno DM, Mangale DI, Chimezi E, Mbale E, Mupere E, Salauddin Mamun GM, Ouédraogo I, Berkley JA, Njirammadzi J, Mukisa J, Thitiri J, Walson JL, Jemutai J, Tickell KD, Shahrin L, Mallewa M, Hossain MI, Chisti MJ, Timbwa M, Mburu M, Ngari MM, Ngao N, Aber P, Harawa PP, Sukhtankar P, Bandsma RH, Bamouni RM, Molyneux S, Mwaringa S, Shaima SN, Ali SA, Afsana SM, Banu S, Ahmed T, Voskuijl WP, Kazi Z. Hospital readmission following acute illness among children 2-23 months old in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: a secondary analysis of CHAIN cohort. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 73:102676. [PMID: 38933099 PMCID: PMC11200276 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children in low and middle-income countries remain vulnerable following hospital-discharge. We estimated the incidence and correlates of hospital readmission among young children admitted to nine hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the CHAIN Network prospective cohort enrolled between 20th November 2016 and 31st January 2019. Children aged 2-23 months were eligible for enrolment, if admitted for an acute illness to one of the study hospitals. Exclusions were requiring immediate resuscitation, inability to tolerate oral feeds in their normal state of health, had suspected terminal illness, suspected chromosomal abnormality, trauma, admission for surgery, or their parent/caregiver was unwilling to participate and attend follow-up visits. Data from children discharged alive from the index admission were analysed for hospital readmission within 180-days from discharge. We examined ratios of readmission to post-discharge mortality rates. Using models with death as the competing event, we evaluated demographic, nutritional, clinical, and socioeconomic associations with readmission. Findings Of 2874 children (1239 (43%) girls, median (IQR) age 10.8 (6.8-15.6) months), 655 readmission episodes occurred among 506 (18%) children (198 (39%) girls): 391 (14%) with one, and 115 (4%) with multiple readmissions, with a rate of: 41.0 (95% CI 38.0-44.3) readmissions/1000 child-months. Median time to readmission was 42 (IQR 15-93) days. 460/655 (70%) and 195/655 (30%) readmissions occurred at index study hospital and non-study hospitals respectively. One-third (N = 213/655, 33%) of readmissions occurred within 30 days of index discharge. Sites with fewest readmissions had the highest post-discharge mortality. Most readmissions to study hospitals (371/450, 81%) were for the same illness as the index admission. Age, prior hospitalisation, chronic conditions, illness severity, and maternal mental health score, but not sex, nutritional status, or physical access to healthcare, were associated with readmission. Interpretation Readmissions may be appropriate and necessary to reduce post-discharge mortality in high mortality settings. Social and financial support, training on recognition of serious illness for caregivers, and improving discharge procedures, continuity of care and facilitation of readmission need to be tested in intervention studies. We propose the ratio of readmission to post-discharge mortality rates as a marker of overall post-discharge access and care. Funding The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1131320).
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Hill J. Implementation of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) in Benin, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda: stakeholder engagement meeting report. Malar J 2024; 23:89. [PMID: 38539181 PMCID: PMC10976733 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04810-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A Stakeholder engagement meeting on the implementation of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) in Benin, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 27 September 2023. Representatives from the respective National Malaria Control Programmes, the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva, Africa Regional and Kenya offices, research partners, non-governmental organizations, and the Medicines for Malaria Venture participated. PDMC was recommended by the WHO in June 2022 and involves provision of a full anti-malarial treatment course at regular intervals during the post-discharge period in children hospitalized with severe anaemia in areas of moderate-to-high malaria transmission. The WHO recommendation followed evidence from a meta-analysis of three clinical trials and from acceptability, delivery, cost-effectiveness, and modelling studies. The trials were conducted in The Gambia using monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during the transmission season, in Malawi using monthly artemether-lumefantrine, and in Kenya and Uganda using monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, showing a significant reduction in all-cause mortality by 77% (95% CI 30-98) and a 55% (95% CI 44-64) reduction in all-cause hospital readmissions 6 months post-discharge. The recommendation has not yet been implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. There is no established platform for PDMC delivery. The objectives of the meeting were for the participating countries to share country contexts, plans and experiences regarding the adoption and implementation of PDMC and to explore potential delivery platforms in each setting. The meeting served as the beginning of stakeholder engagement within the PDMC Saves Lives project and will be followed by formative and implementation research to evaluate alternative delivery strategies in selected countries. Meeting highlights included country consensus on use of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for PDMC and expansion of the target group to "severe anaemia or severe malaria", in addition to identifying country-specific options for PDMC delivery for evaluation in implementation research. Further exploration is needed on whether the age group should be extended to school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hill
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Benin (IRCB), Cotonou, Benin.
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Knappett M, Nguyen V, Chaudhry M, Trawin J, Kabakyenga J, Kumbakumba E, Jacob ST, Ansermino JM, Kissoon N, Mugisha NK, Wiens MO. Pediatric post-discharge mortality in resource-poor countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 67:102380. [PMID: 38204490 PMCID: PMC10776442 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Under-five mortality remains concentrated in resource-poor countries. Post-discharge mortality is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to overall child mortality. With a substantial recent expansion of research and novel data synthesis methods, this study aims to update the current evidence base by providing a more nuanced understanding of the burden and associated risk factors of pediatric post-discharge mortality after acute illness. Methods Eligible studies published between January 1, 2017 and January 31, 2023, were retrieved using MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases. Studies published before 2017 were identified in a previous review and added to the total pool of studies. Only studies from countries with low or low-middle Socio-Demographic Index with a post-discharge observation period greater than seven days were included. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies. Studies were grouped by patient population, and 6-month post-discharge mortality rates were quantified by random-effects meta-analysis. Secondary outcomes included post-discharge mortality relative to in-hospital mortality, pooled risk factor estimates, and pooled post-discharge Kaplan-Meier survival curves. PROSPERO study registration: #CRD42022350975. Findings Of 1963 articles screened, 42 eligible articles were identified and combined with 22 articles identified in the previous review, resulting in 64 total articles. These articles represented 46 unique patient cohorts and included a total of 105,560 children. For children admitted with a general acute illness, the pooled risk of mortality six months post-discharge was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.5%-5.4%, I2 = 94.2%, n = 11 studies, 34,457 children), and the pooled in-hospital mortality rate was 5.9% (95% CI: 4.2%-7.7%, I2 = 98.7%, n = 12 studies, 63,307 children). Among disease subgroups, severe malnutrition (12.2%, 95% CI: 6.2%-19.7%, I2 = 98.2%, n = 10 studies, 7760 children) and severe anemia (6.4%, 95% CI: 4.2%-9.1%, I2 = 93.3%, n = 9 studies, 7806 children) demonstrated the highest 6-month post-discharge mortality estimates. Diarrhea demonstrated the shortest median time to death (3.3 weeks) and anemia the longest (8.9 weeks). Most significant risk factors for post-discharge mortality included unplanned discharges, severe malnutrition, and HIV seropositivity. Interpretation Pediatric post-discharge mortality rates remain high in resource-poor settings, especially among children admitted with malnutrition or anemia. Global health strategies must prioritize this health issue by dedicating resources to research and policy innovation. Funding No specific funding was received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Knappett
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
| | - Vuong Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
| | - Maryum Chaudhry
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
| | - Jessica Trawin
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
| | - Jerome Kabakyenga
- Maternal Newborn & Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Faculty of Medicine, Dept of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elias Kumbakumba
- Dept of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Shevin T. Jacob
- Walimu, Plot 5-7, Coral Crescent, Kololo, P.O. Box 9924, Kampala, Uganda
- Dept of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J. Mark Ansermino
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
- Dept of Anesthesia, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 217-2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Dept of Pediatrics, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Rm 2D19, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada
| | | | - Matthew O. Wiens
- Institute for Global Health, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, 305-4088 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2X8, Canada
- Walimu, Plot 5-7, Coral Crescent, Kololo, P.O. Box 9924, Kampala, Uganda
- Dept of Anesthesia, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 217-2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
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Phiri KS, Khairallah C, Kwambai TK, Bojang K, Dhabangi A, Opoka R, Idro R, Stepniewska K, van Hensbroek MB, John CC, Robberstad B, Greenwood B, Kuile FOT. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children admitted with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic settings in Africa: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e33-e44. [PMID: 38097295 PMCID: PMC10733130 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anaemia is associated with high in-hospital mortality among young children. In malaria-endemic areas, surviving children also have an increased risk of mortality or readmission after hospital discharge. We conducted a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children recovering from severe anaemia. METHODS This analysis was conducted according to PRISMA-IPD guidelines. We searched multiple databases on Aug 28, 2023, without date or language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials comparing monthly post-discharge malaria chemoprevention with placebo or standard of care among children (aged <15 years) admitted with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic Africa. Trials using daily or weekly malaria prophylaxis were not eligible. The investigators from all eligible trials shared pseudonymised datasets, which were standardised and merged for analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the intervention period. Analyses were performed in the modified intention-to-treat population, including all randomly assigned participants who contributed to the endpoint. Fixed-effects two-stage meta-analysis of risk ratios (RRs) was used to generate pooled effect estimates for mortality. Recurrent time-to-event data (readmissions or clinic visits) were analysed using one-stage mixed-effects Prentice-Williams-Peterson total-time models to obtain hazard ratios (HRs). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022308791. FINDINGS Our search identified 91 articles, of which 78 were excluded by title and abstract, and a further ten did not meet eligibility criteria. Three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, including 3663 children with severe anaemia, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis; 3507 (95·7%) contributed to the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Participants received monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine until the end of the malaria transmission season (mean 3·1 courses per child [range 1-6]; n=1085; The Gambia), monthly artemether-lumefantrine given at the end of weeks 4 and 8 post discharge (n=1373; Malawi), or monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine given at the end of weeks 2, 6, and 10 post discharge (n=1049; Uganda and Kenya). During the intervention period, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention was associated with a 77% reduction in mortality (RR 0·23 [95% CI 0·08-0·70], p=0·0094, I2=0%) and a 55% reduction in all-cause readmissions (HR 0·45 [95% CI 0·36-0·56], p<0·0001) compared with placebo. The protective effect was restricted to the intervention period and was not sustained after the direct pharmacodynamic effect of the drugs had waned. The small number of trials limited our ability to assess heterogeneity, its sources, and publication bias. INTERPRETATION In malaria-endemic Africa, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention reduces mortality and readmissions in recently discharged children recovering from severe anaemia. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention could be a valuable strategy for the management of this group at high risk. Future research should focus on methods of delivery, options to prolong the protection duration, other hospitalised groups at high risk, and interventions targeting non-malarial causes of post-discharge morbidity. FUNDING The Research-Council of Norway and the Bill-&-Melinda-Gates-Foundation through the Worldwide-Antimalarial-Research-Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamija S Phiri
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi; Training and Research Unit of Excellence, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Titus K Kwambai
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kalifa Bojang
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Aga Khan University, Medical College, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Boele van Hensbroek
- Amsterdam Centre for Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Brian Greenwood
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
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Okell LC, Kwambai TK, Dhabangi A, Khairallah C, Nkosi-Gondwe T, Winskill P, Opoka R, Mousa A, Kühl MJ, Lucas TCD, Challenger JD, Idro R, Weiss DJ, Cairns M, Ter Kuile FO, Phiri K, Robberstad B, Mori AT. Projected health impact of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention among children with severe malarial anaemia in Africa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:402. [PMID: 36697413 PMCID: PMC9876927 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Children recovering from severe malarial anaemia (SMA) remain at high risk of readmission and death after discharge from hospital. However, a recent trial found that post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine reduces this risk. We developed a mathematical model describing the daily incidence of uncomplicated and severe malaria requiring readmission among 0-5-year old children after hospitalised SMA. We fitted the model to a multicentre clinical PDMC trial using Bayesian methods and modelled the potential impact of PDMC across malaria-endemic African countries. In the 20 highest-burden countries, we estimate that only 2-5 children need to be given PDMC to prevent one hospitalised malaria episode, and less than 100 to prevent one death. If all hospitalised SMA cases access PDMC in moderate-to-high transmission areas, 38,600 (range 16,900-88,400) malaria-associated readmissions could be prevented annually, depending on access to hospital care. We estimate that recurrent SMA post-discharge constitutes 19% of all SMA episodes in moderate-to-high transmission settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Okell
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Titus K Kwambai
- Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
| | - Thandile Nkosi-Gondwe
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Robert Opoka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andria Mousa
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Melf-Jakob Kühl
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tim C D Lucas
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph D Challenger
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel J Weiss
- Malaria Atlas Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Australia
- Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Matthew Cairns
- International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
| | - Kamija Phiri
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Amani Thomas Mori
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, P.O. Box 6033, N-5892, Bergen, Norway.
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O.Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Oboh MA, Oyebola KM, Ajibola O, Thomas BN. Nigeria at 62: Quagmire of malaria and the urgent need for deliberate and concerted control strategy. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1074751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has disproportionately contributed the majority (95%) of all malaria cases and deaths for more than a decade (2010-2021) and Nigeria contributes the highest in global malaria cases and deaths in the last decade.Main bodyDespite several malaria control initiatives, why is Nigeria still the most endemic malaria country? Published reports have underlined possible reasons for the sustenance of malaria transmission. Malaria transmission pattern in the country is largely and remarkably heterogeneous, hence control measures must take this uniqueness into consideration when designing intervention strategies. Nigeria became 62 years post-independence on the 1st of October, 2022, therefore making positive impacts on all aspects of the country, especially in the health sector becomes imperative more than ever before. To achieve a pre-elimination malaria status, we propose the implementation of focused and calculated research strategies. Such strategies would be consciously geared towards understanding vectorial capacity, susceptibility to approved insecticides, identifying malaria hotspots, and deciphering the genetic structure and architecture of P. falciparum within and between groups and regions. This will provide insight into delineating the inter/intra-regional migration of parasite populations, amongst others.ConclusionWith regard to malaria elimination, Nigeria still has a long way to go. There is a need for dedicated prioritization of research efforts that would provide a basic understanding of the Plasmodium parasite in circulation. Such information will support the implementation of policies that will drive down malaria transmission in Nigeria.
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Chemoprevention for the Populations of Malaria Endemic Africa. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10040101. [PMID: 36412595 PMCID: PMC9680511 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs have been used to prevent malaria for centuries, but only recently have they been used on a large scale to prevent malaria in the resident population of malaria endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper discusses some of the reasons for the hesitancy in adoption of chemopreventive strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, reasons why this hesitancy has been overcome in recent years and the range of target groups now identified by the World Health Organization as those who can benefit most from chemoprevention. Adoption of carefully targeted chemopreventive strategies could help reverse the recent stagnation in the decline in malaria in sub-Saharan Africa that had been taking place during the previous two decades.
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Kühl MJ, Gondwe T, Dhabangi A, Kwambai TK, Mori AT, Opoka R, John CC, Idro R, ter Kuile FO, Phiri KS, Robberstad B. Economic evaluation of postdischarge malaria chemoprevention in preschool children treated for severe anaemia in Malawi, Kenya, and Uganda: A cost-effectiveness analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 52:101669. [PMID: 36313146 PMCID: PMC9596312 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children hospitalised with severe anaemia in malaria-endemic areas are at a high risk of dying or being readmitted within six months of discharge. A trial in Kenya and Uganda showed that three months of postdischarge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) substantially reduced this risk. The World Health Organization recently included PDMC in its malaria chemoprevention guidelines. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of community-based PDMC delivery (supplying all three PDMC-DP courses to caregivers at discharge to administer at home), facility-based PDMC delivery (monthly dispensing of PDMC-DP at the hospital), and the standard of care (no PDMC). METHODS We combined data from two recently completed trials; one placebo-controlled trial in Kenya and Uganda collecting efficacy data (May 6, 2016 until November 15, 2018; n=1049), and one delivery mechanism trial from Malawi collecting adherence data (March 24, 2016 until October 3, 2018; n=375). Cost data were collected alongside both trials. Three Markov decision models, one each for Malawi, Kenya, and Uganda, were used to compute incremental cost-effectiveness ratios expressed as costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to account for uncertainty. FINDINGS Both PDMC strategies were cost-saving in each country, meaning less costly and more effective in increasing health-adjusted life expectancy than the standard of care. The estimated incremental cost savings for community-based PDMC compared to the standard of care were US$ 22·10 (Malawi), 38·52 (Kenya), and 26·23 (Uganda) per child treated. The incremental effectiveness gain using either PDMC strategy varied between 0·3 and 0·4 QALYs. Community-based PDMC was less costly and more effective than facility-based PDMC. These results remained robust in sensitivity analyses. INTERPRETATION PDMC under implementation conditions is cost-saving. Caregivers receiving PDMC at discharge is a cost-effective delivery strategy for implementation in malaria-endemic southeastern African settings. FUNDING Research Council of Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melf-Jakob Kühl
- Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Health Economics Leadership and Translational Ethics Research Group (HELTER), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Thandile Gondwe
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 782 Mahatma Gandhi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, 1 Kufa Road, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Titus K. Kwambai
- Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Busia Rd, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Amani T. Mori
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, Jekteviksbakken 31, 5006 Bergen, Norway
- Health Economics Leadership and Translational Ethics Research Group (HELTER), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert Opoka
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C. Chandy John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 W Walnut St, R4 402D Indianapolis, United States of America
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Kamija S. Phiri
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 782 Mahatma Gandhi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, 1 Kufa Road, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Health Economics Leadership and Translational Ethics Research Group (HELTER), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Corresponding author at: Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
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Kwambai TK, Mori AT, Nevitt S, van Eijk AM, Samuels AM, Robberstad B, Phiri KS, Ter Kuile FO. Post-discharge morbidity and mortality in children admitted with severe anaemia and other health conditions in malaria-endemic settings in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:474-483. [PMID: 35605629 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anaemia is associated with high in-hospital mortality among young children. In malaria-endemic areas, surviving children also remain at increased risk of mortality for several months after hospital discharge. We aimed to compare the risks of morbidity and mortality among children discharged from hospital after recovery from severe anaemia versus other health conditions in malaria-endemic settings in Africa. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central from inception to Nov 30, 2021, without language restrictions, for prospective or retrospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials that followed up children younger than 15 years for defined periods after hospital discharge in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. We excluded the intervention groups in trials and studies or subgroups involving children with sickle cell anaemia, malignancies, or surgery or trauma, or those reporting follow-up data that were combined with the in-hospital period. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality and risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale or the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The coprimary outcomes were all-cause death and all-cause readmissions 6 months after discharge. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42017079282. FINDINGS Of 2930 articles identified in our search, 27 studies were included. For children who were recently discharged following hospital admission with severe anaemia, all-cause mortality by 6 months was higher than during the in-hospital period (n=5 studies; Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 1·72, 95% CI 1·22-2·44; p=0·0020; I2=51·5%) and more than two times higher than children previously admitted without severe anaemia (n=4 studies; relative risk [RR] 2·69, 95% CI 1·59-4·53; p<0·0001; I2=69·2%). Readmissions within 6 months of discharge were also more common in children admitted with severe anaemia than in children admitted with other conditions (n=1 study; RR 3·05, 1·12-8·35; p<0·0001). Children admitted with severe acute malnutrition (regardless of severe anaemia) also had a higher 6-month mortality after discharge than those admitted for other reasons (n=2 studies; RR=3·12, 2·02-4·68; p<0·0001; I2=54·7%). Other predictors of mortality after discharge included discharge against medical advice, HIV, bacteraemia, and hypoxia. INTERPRETATION In malaria-endemic settings in Africa, children admitted to hospital with severe anaemia and severe acute malnutrition are at increased risk of mortality in the first 6 months after discharge compared with children admitted with other health conditions. Improved strategies are needed for the management of these high-risk groups during the period after discharge. FUNDING Research Council of Norway and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titus K Kwambai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Amani T Mori
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics and Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sarah Nevitt
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aaron M Samuels
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu, Kenya; Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Section for Ethics and Health Economics and Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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10
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Ngari MM, Berkley JA. Severe anaemia and paediatric mortality after hospital discharge in Africa. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:447-449. [PMID: 35605630 PMCID: PMC7613614 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moses M Ngari
- The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; The Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James A Berkley
- The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; The Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya; The Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK.
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11
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It Is Time to Strengthen the Malaria Control Policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Include Schools and School-Age Children in Malaria Control Measures. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070729. [PMID: 35889975 PMCID: PMC9315856 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a decade of sustained malaria control, malaria remains a serious public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Children under five years of age and school-age children aged 5–15 years remain at high risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections. The World Health Organization’s malaria control, elimination, and eradication recommendations are still only partially implemented in DRC. For better malaria control and eventual elimination, the integration of all individuals into the national malaria control programme will strengthen malaria control and elimination strategies in the country. Thus, inclusion of schools and school-age children in DRC malaria control interventions is needed.
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12
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Wiens MO, Kissoon N, Holsti L. Challenges in pediatric post-sepsis care in resource limited settings: a narrative review. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:2666-2677. [PMID: 34765492 PMCID: PMC8578768 DOI: 10.21037/tp-20-390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this narrative review is to outline the current epidemiology and interventional research within the context of sepsis recovery, and to provide a summary of key priorities for future work in this area. BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality secondary to sepsis disproportionately affects children, especially those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 85% of global cases and deaths occur. These regions are plagued by poorly resilient health systems, widespread socio-economic deprivation and unique vulnerabilities such as malnutrition. Reducing the overall burden of sepsis will require a multi-pronged strategy that addresses all three important periods along the sepsis care continuum - pre-facility, facility and post-facility. Of these aspects, post-facility issues have been largely neglected in research, practice and policy, and are thus the focus of this review. METHODS Relevant data for this review was identified through a literature search using PubMed, through a review of the citations of select systematic reviews and from the personal repositories of articles collected by the authors. Data is presented within three sections. The first two sections on the short and long-term outcomes among sepsis survivors each outline the epidemiology as well as review relevant interventional research done. Where clear gaps exist, these are stated. The third section focuses on priorities for future research. This section highlights the importance of data (and data systems) and of innovative interventional approaches, as key areas to improve research of post-sepsis outcomes in children. CONCLUSIONS During the initial post-facility period, mortality is high with as many children dying during this period as during the acute period of hospitalization, mostly due to recurrent illness (including infections) which are associated with malnutrition and severe acute disease. Long-term outcomes, often labelled as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS), are characterized by a lag in developmental milestones and suboptimal quality of life (QoL). While long-term outcomes have not been well characterized in resource limited settings, they are well described in high-income countries (HICs), and likely are important contributors to long-term morbidity in resource limited settings. The paucity of interventional research to improve post-discharge outcomes (short- or long-term) is a clear gap in addressing its burden. A focus on the development of improved data systems for collecting routine data, standardized definitions and terminology and a health-systems approach in research need to be prioritized during any efforts to improve outcomes during the post-sepsis phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Wiens
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa Holsti
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Pavlinac PB, Singa BO, Tickell KD, Brander RL, McGrath CJ, Amondi M, Otieno J, Akinyi E, Rwigi D, Carreon JD, Tornberg-Belanger SN, Nduati R, Babigumira JB, Meshak L, Bogonko G, Kariuki S, Richardson BA, John-Stewart GC, Walson JL. Azithromycin for the prevention of rehospitalisation and death among Kenyan children being discharged from hospital: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised controlled trial. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1569-e1578. [PMID: 34559992 PMCID: PMC8638697 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mass drug administration of azithromycin to children in sub-Saharan Africa has been shown to improve survival in high-mortality settings. The period after hospital discharge is a time of elevated risk unaddressed by current interventions and might provide an opportunity for targeting empirical azithromycin administration. We aimed to assess the efficacy of azithromycin administered at hospital discharge on risk of death and rehospitalisation in Kenyan children younger than 5 years. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial, children were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a 5-day course of azithromycin (oral suspension 10 mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5mg/kg per day on days 2-5) or identically appearing and tasting placebo at discharge from four hospitals in western Kenya. Children were eligible if they were aged 1-59 months at hospital discharge, weighed at least 2 kg, and had been admitted to hospital for any medical reason other than trauma, poisoning, or congenital anomaly. The primary outcome was death or rehospitalisation in the subsequent 6-month period in a modified intention-to-treat population, compared by randomisation group with Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier. Azithromycin resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from a random subset of children was compared by randomisation group with generalised estimating equations. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02414399. FINDINGS Between June 28, 2016, and Nov 4, 2019, 1400 children were enrolled in the trial at discharge from hospital, with 703 (50·2%) randomly assigned to azithromycin and 697 (49·8%) to placebo. Among the 1398 children included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (702 in the azithromycin group and 696 in the placebo group), the incidence of death or rehospitalisation was 20·4 per 100 child-years in the azithromycin group and 22·5 per 100 child-years in the placebo group (adjusted hazard ratio 0·91, 95·5% CI 0·64-1·29, p=0·58). Azithromycin resistance was common in commensal E coli isolates from enrolled children before randomisation (37·7% of 406 isolates) despite only 3·7% of children having received a macrolide antibiotic during the hospitalisation. Azithromycin resistance was slightly higher at 3 months after randomisation in the azithromycin group (26·9%) than in the placebo group (19·1%; adjusted prevalence ratio 1·41, 95% CI 0·95-2·09, p=0·088), with no difference observed at 6 months (1·17, 0·78-1·76, p=0·44). INTERPRETATION We did not observe a significant benefit of a 5-day course of azithromycin delivered to children younger than 5 years at hospital discharge despite the overall high risk of mortality and rehospitalisation. These findings highlight the need for more research into mechanisms and interventions for prevention of morbidity and mortality in the post-discharge period. FUNDING Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benson O Singa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya; Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kirkby D Tickell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Christine J McGrath
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Amondi
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Otieno
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Akinyi
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doreen Rwigi
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Ruth Nduati
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Liru Meshak
- Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | | | - Samuel Kariuki
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine-Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judd L Walson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine-Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
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14
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Nkosi-Gondwe T, Robberstad B, Mukaka M, Idro R, Opoka RO, Banda S, Kühl MJ, O. Ter Kuile F, Blomberg B, Phiri KS. Adherence to community versus facility-based delivery of monthly malaria chemoprevention with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the post-discharge management of severe anemia in Malawian children: A cluster randomized trial. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255769. [PMID: 34506503 PMCID: PMC8432777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The provision of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) in children recently admitted with severe anemia reduces the risk of death and re-admissions in malaria endemic countries. The main objective of this trial was to identify the most effective method of delivering dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine to children recovering from severe anemia. Methods This was a 5-arm, cluster-randomized trial among under-5 children hospitalized with severe anemia at Zomba Central Hospital in Southern Malawi. Children were randomized to receive three day treatment doses of dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine monthly either; 1) in the community without a short text reminder; 2) in the community with a short message reminder; 3) in the community with a community health worker reminder; 4) at the facility without a short text reminder; or 5) at the facility with a short message reminder. The primary outcome measure was adherence to all treatment doses of dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine and this was assessed by pill-counts done by field workers during home visits. Poisson regression was utilized for analysis. Results Between March 2016 and October 2018, 1460 clusters were randomized. A total of 667 children were screened and 375 from 329 clusters were eligible and enrolled from the hospital. Adherence was higher in all three community-based compared to the two facility-based delivery (156/221 [70·6%] vs. 78/150 [52·0%], IRR = 1·24,95%CI 1·06–1·44, p = 0·006). This was observed in both the SMS group (IRR = 1·41,1·21–1·64, p<0·001) and in the non-SMS group (IRR = 1·37,1·18–1·61, p<0·001). Although adherence was higher among SMS recipients (98/148 66·2%] vs. non-SMS 82/144 (56·9%), there was no statistical evidence that SMS reminders resulted in greater adherence ([IRR = 1·03,0·88–1·21, p = 0·68). When compared to the facility-based non-SMS arm (control arm), community-based delivery utilizing CHWs resulted in higher adherence [39/76 (51·3%) vs. 54/79 (68·4%), IRR = 1·32, 1·14–1·54, p<0·001]. Interpretation Community-based delivery of dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine for post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in children recovering from severe anemia resulted in higher adherence compared to facility-based methods. Trial registration NCT02721420; ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thandile Nkosi-Gondwe
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Saidon Banda
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Melf-Jakob Kühl
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Feiko O. Ter Kuile
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bjorn Blomberg
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamija S. Phiri
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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15
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Greenwood B, Cairns M, Chaponda M, Chico RM, Dicko A, Ouedraogo JB, Phiri KS, Ter Kuile FO, Chandramohan D. Combining malaria vaccination with chemoprevention: a promising new approach to malaria control. Malar J 2021; 20:361. [PMID: 34488784 PMCID: PMC8419817 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03888-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria control has stalled in a number of African countries and novel approaches to malaria control are needed for these areas. The encouraging results of a recent trial conducted in young children in Burkina Faso and Mali in which a combination of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine and seasonal malaria chemoprevention led to a substantial reduction in clinical cases of malaria, severe malaria, and malaria deaths compared with the administration of either intervention given alone suggests that there may be other epidemiological/clinical situations in which a combination of malaria vaccination and chemoprevention could be beneficial. Some of these potential opportunities are considered in this paper. These include combining vaccination with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants, with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (through vaccination of women of child-bearing age before or during pregnancy), or with post-discharge malaria chemoprevention in the management of children recently admitted to hospital with severe anaemia. Other potential uses of the combination are prevention of malaria in children at particular risk from the adverse effects of clinical malaria, such as those with sickle cell disease, and during the final stages of a malaria elimination programme when vaccination could be combined with repeated rounds of mass drug administration. The combination of a pre-erythrocytic stage malaria vaccine with an effective chemopreventive regimen could make a valuable contribution to malaria control and elimination in a variety of clinical or epidemiological situations, and the potential of this approach to malaria control needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Cairns
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Kamija S Phiri
- School of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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16
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Connon R, George EC, Olupot-Olupot P, Kiguli S, Chagaluka G, Alaroker F, Opoka RO, Mpoya A, Walsh K, Engoru C, Nteziyaremye J, Mallewa M, Kennedy N, Nakuya M, Namayanja C, Nabawanuka E, Sennyondo T, Amorut D, Williams Musika C, Bates I, Boele van Hensbroek M, Evans JA, Uyoga S, Williams TN, Frost G, Gibb DM, Maitland K, Walker AS. Incidence and predictors of hospital readmission in children presenting with severe anaemia in Uganda and Malawi: a secondary analysis of TRACT trial data. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1480. [PMID: 34325680 PMCID: PMC8323322 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 6 g/dL) is a leading cause of recurrent hospitalisation in African children. We investigated predictors of readmission in children hospitalised with severe anaemia in the TRACT trial (ISRCTN84086586) in order to identify potential future interventions. METHODS Secondary analyses of the trial examined 3894 children from Uganda and Malawi surviving a hospital episode of severe anaemia. Predictors of all-cause readmission within 180 days of discharge were identified using multivariable regression with death as a competing risk. Groups of children with similar characteristics were identified using hierarchical clustering. RESULTS Of the 3894 survivors 682 (18%) were readmitted; 403 (10%) had ≥2 re-admissions over 180 days. Three main causes of readmission were identified: severe anaemia (n = 456), malaria (n = 252) and haemoglobinuria/dark urine syndrome (n = 165). Overall, factors increasing risk of readmission included HIV-infection (hazard ratio 2.48 (95% CI 1.63-3.78), p < 0.001); ≥2 hospital admissions in the preceding 12 months (1.44(1.19-1.74), p < 0.001); history of transfusion (1.48(1.13-1.93), p = 0.005); and missing ≥1 trial medication dose (proxy for care quality) (1.43 (1.21-1.69), p < 0.001). Children with uncomplicated severe anaemia (Hb 4-6 g/dL and no severity features), who never received a transfusion (per trial protocol) during the initial admission had a substantially lower risk of readmission (0.67(0.47-0.96), p = 0.04). Malaria (among children with no prior history of transfusion) (0.60(0.47-0.76), p < 0.001); younger-age (1.07 (1.03-1.10) per 1 year younger, p < 0.001) and known sickle cell disease (0.62(0.46-0.82), p = 0.001) also decreased risk of readmission. For anaemia re-admissions, gross splenomegaly and enlarged spleen increased risk by 1.73(1.23-2.44) and 1.46(1.18-1.82) respectively compared to no splenomegaly. Clustering identified four groups of children with readmission rates from 14 to 20%. The cluster with the highest readmission rate was characterised by very low haemoglobin (mean 3.6 g/dL). Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) predominated in two clusters associated with chronic repeated admissions or severe, acute presentations in largely undiagnosed SCD. The final cluster had high rates of malaria (78%), severity signs and very low platelet count, consistent with acute severe malaria. CONCLUSIONS Younger age, HIV infection and history of previous hospital admissions predicted increased risk of readmission. However, no obvious clinical factors for intervention were identified. As missing medication doses was highly predictive, attention to care related factors may be important. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN84086586 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Roisin Connon
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK.
| | - Elizabeth C George
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Peter Olupot-Olupot
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Pallisa Road, PO Box 291, Mbale, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, PO Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George Chagaluka
- College of Medicine, and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ayub Mpoya
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Walsh
- Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Charles Engoru
- Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 289, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Julius Nteziyaremye
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Pallisa Road, PO Box 291, Mbale, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, PO Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Macpherson Mallewa
- College of Medicine, and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Neil Kennedy
- College of Medicine, and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Margaret Nakuya
- Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 289, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Cate Namayanja
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Pallisa Road, PO Box 291, Mbale, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, PO Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Eva Nabawanuka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Sennyondo
- Mbale Clinical Research Institute, Pallisa Road, PO Box 291, Mbale, Uganda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, PO Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Denis Amorut
- Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 289, Soroti, Uganda
| | - C Williams Musika
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Imelda Bates
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Jennifer A Evans
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park Cardiff, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, Wales
| | - Sophie Uyoga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Thomas N Williams
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Gary Frost
- Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Diana M Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Kathryn Maitland
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya
- Institute of Global Health and Innovation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
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Conroy AL, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Namazzi R, Okullo AE, Georgieff MK, Cusick S, Idro R, Ssenkusu JM, John CC. Parenteral artemisinins are associated with reduced mortality and neurologic deficits and improved long-term behavioral outcomes in children with severe malaria. BMC Med 2021; 19:168. [PMID: 34315456 PMCID: PMC8317420 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, the World Health Organization recommended injectable artesunate as the first-line therapy for severe malaria (SM) due to its superiority in reducing mortality compared to quinine. There are limited data on long-term clinical and neurobehavioral outcomes after artemisinin use for treatment of SM. METHODS From 2008 to 2013, 502 Ugandan children with two common forms of SM, cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia, were enrolled in a prospective observational study assessing long-term neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes following SM. Children were evaluated a week after hospital discharge, and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, and returned to hospital for any illness. In this study, we evaluated the impact of artemisinin derivatives on survival, post-discharge hospital readmission or death, and neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS 346 children received quinine and 156 received parenteral artemisinin therapy (artemether or artesunate). After adjustment for disease severity, artemisinin derivatives were associated with a 78% reduction in in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67). Among cerebral malaria survivors, children treated with artemisinin derivatives also had reduced neurologic deficits at discharge (quinine, 41.7%; artemisinin derivatives, 23.7%, p=0.007). Over a 2-year follow-up, artemisinin derivatives as compared to quinine were associated with better adjusted scores (negative scores better) in internalizing behavior and executive function in children irrespective of the age at severe malaria episode. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, artemisinin derivatives were associated with better adjusted scores in behavior and executive function in children <6 years of age at severe malaria exposure following adjustment for child age, sex, socioeconomic status, enrichment in the home environment, and the incidence of hospitalizations over follow-up. Children receiving artesunate had the greatest reduction in mortality and benefit in behavioral outcomes and had reduced inflammation at 1-month follow-up compared to children treated with quinine. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of severe malaria with artemisinin derivatives, particularly artesunate, results in reduced in-hospital mortality and neurologic deficits in children of all ages, reduced inflammation following recovery, and better long-term behavioral outcomes. These findings suggest artesunate has long-term beneficial effects in children surviving severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allen E Okullo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Cusick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment could help prevent malaria in infants (IPTi) living in areas of moderate to high malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) policy recommended IPTi in 2010, but its adoption in countries has been limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with antimalarial drugs to prevent malaria in infants living in malaria-endemic areas. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following sources up to 3 December 2018: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (OVID), LILACS (Bireme), and reference lists of articles. We also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) portal for ongoing trials up to 3 December 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IPT to placebo or no intervention in infants (defined as young children aged between 1 to 12 months) in malaria-endemic areas. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcome was clinical malaria (fever plus asexual parasitaemia). Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, evaluated the risk of bias, and extracted data. We summarized dichotomous outcomes and count data using risk ratios (RR) and rate ratios respectively, and presented all measures with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We extracted protective efficacy values and their 95% CIs; when an included trial did not report this data, we calculated these values from the RR or rate ratio with its 95% CI. Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 trials that enrolled 19,098 infants; all were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Three trials were cluster-RCTs. IPTi with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) was evaluated in 10 trials from 1999 to 2013 (n = 15,256). Trials evaluating ACTs included dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (1 trial, 147 participants; year 2013), amodiaquine-artesunate (1 study, 684 participants; year 2008), and SP-artesunate (1 trial, 676 participants; year 2008). The earlier studies evaluated IPTi with SP, and were conducted in Tanzania (in 1999 and 2006), Mozambique (2004), Ghana (2004 to 2005), Gabon (2005), Kenya (2008), and Mali (2009). One trial evaluated IPTi with amodiaquine in Tanzania (2000). Later studies included three conducted in Kenya (2008), Tanzania (2008), and Uganda (2013), evaluating IPTi in multiple trial arms that included artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Although the effect size varied over time and between drugs, overall IPTi impacts on the incidence of clinical malaria overall, with a 30% reduction (rate ratio 0.70, 0.62 to 0.80; 10 studies, 10,602 participants). The effect of SP appeared to attenuate over time, with trials conducted after 2009 showing little or no effect of the intervention. IPTi with SP probably resulted in fewer episodes of clinical malaria (rate ratio 0.78, 0.69 to 0.88; 8 trials, 8774 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), anaemia (rate ratio 0.82, 0.68 to 0.98; 6 trials, 7438 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), parasitaemia (rate ratio 0.66, 0.56 to 0.79; 1 trial, 1200 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), and fewer hospital admissions (rate ratio 0.85, 0.78 to 0.93; 7 trials, 7486 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). IPTi with SP probably made little or no difference to all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.93, 0.74 to 1.15; 9 trials, 14,588 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). Since 2009, IPTi trials have evaluated ACTs and indicate impact on clinical malaria and parasitaemia. A small trial of DHAP in 2013 shows substantive effects on clinical malaria (RR 0.42, 0.33 to 0.54; 1 trial, 147 participants, moderate-certainty evidence) and parasitaemia (moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In areas of sub-Saharan Africa, giving antimalarial drugs known to be effective against the malaria parasite at the time to infants as IPT probably reduces the risk of clinical malaria, anaemia, and hospital admission. Evidence from SP studies over a 19-year period shows declining efficacy, which may be due to increasing drug resistance. Combinations with ACTs appear promising as suitable alternatives for IPTi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekpereonne B Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Chioma Oringanje
- GIDP Entomology and Insect Science, University of Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
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Audibert C, Tchouatieu AM. Perception of Malaria Chemoprevention Interventions in Infants and Children in Eight Sub-Saharan African Countries: An End User Perspective Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020075. [PMID: 34064620 PMCID: PMC8163176 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventive chemotherapy interventions have been identified as key tools for malaria prevention and control. Although a large number of publications have reported on the efficacy and safety profile of these interventions, little literature exists on end-user experience. The objective of this study was to provide insights on the perceptions and attitudes towards seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and intermittent preventive treatment of infants (IPTi) to identify drivers of and barriers to acceptance. A total of 179 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with community health workers (CHWs), health center managers, parents of children receiving chemoprevention, and national decision makers across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The transcribed verbatim responses were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings indicate that, although SMC is largely accepted by end users, coverage remained below 100%. The main causes mentioned were children's absenteeism, children being sick, parents' reluctance, and lack of staff. Regarding IPTi, results from participants based in Sierra Leone showed that the intervention was generally accepted and perceived as efficacious. The main challenges were access to water, crushing the tablets, and high staff turnover. SMC and IPTi are perceived as valuable interventions. Our study identified the key elements that need to be considered to facilitate the expansion of these two interventions to different geographies or age groups.
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20
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Kwambai TK, Dhabangi A, Idro R, Opoka R, Watson V, Kariuki S, Kuya NA, Onyango ED, Otieno K, Samuels AM, Desai MR, Boele van Hensbroek M, Wang D, John CC, Robberstad B, Phiri KS, Ter Kuile FO. Malaria Chemoprevention in the Postdischarge Management of Severe Anemia. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:2242-2254. [PMID: 33264546 PMCID: PMC9115866 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2002820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who have been hospitalized with severe anemia in areas of Africa in which malaria is endemic have a high risk of readmission and death within 6 months after discharge. No prevention strategy specifically addresses this period. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, two-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in nine hospitals in Kenya and Uganda to determine whether 3 months of malaria chemoprevention could reduce morbidity and mortality after hospital discharge in children younger than 5 years of age who had been admitted with severe anemia. All children received standard in-hospital care for severe anemia and a 3-day course of artemether-lumefantrine at discharge. Two weeks after discharge, children were randomly assigned to receive dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (chemoprevention group) or placebo, administered as 3-day courses at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after discharge. Children were followed for 26 weeks after discharge. The primary outcome was one or more hospital readmissions for any reason or death from the time of randomization to 6 months after discharge. Conditional risk-set modeling for recurrent events was used to calculate hazard ratios with the use of the Prentice-Williams-Peterson total-time approach. RESULTS From May 2016 through May 2018, a total of 1049 children underwent randomization; 524 were assigned to the chemoprevention group and 525 to the placebo group. From week 3 through week 26, a total of 184 events of readmission or death occurred in the chemoprevention group and 316 occurred in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.78; P<0.001). The lower incidence of readmission or death in the chemoprevention group than in the placebo group was restricted to the intervention period (week 3 through week 14) (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.42) and was not sustained after that time (week 15 through week 26) (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.47). No serious adverse events were attributed to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. CONCLUSIONS In areas with intense malaria transmission, 3 months of postdischarge malaria chemoprevention with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in children who had recently received treatment for severe anemia prevented more deaths or readmissions for any reason after discharge than placebo. (Funded by the Research Council of Norway and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02671175.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Titus K Kwambai
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Richard Idro
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Robert Opoka
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Victoria Watson
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Simon Kariuki
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Nickline A Kuya
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Eric D Onyango
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Kephas Otieno
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Aaron M Samuels
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Meghna R Desai
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Michael Boele van Hensbroek
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Duolao Wang
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Chandy C John
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- From the Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (T.K.K., S.K., N.A.K., E.D.O., K.O., F.O.K.), and the Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health (T.K.K.) and the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (A.M.S., M.R.D.) - all in Kisumu; the Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (T.K.K., V.W., D.W., F.O.K.), and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool (V.W.), Liverpool, United Kingdom; Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda (A.D., R.I., R.O.); the Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, CDC, Atlanta (A.M.S., M.R.D.); Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam (M.B.H.); the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis (C.C.J.); the Section for Ethics and Health Economics and the Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (B.R.); and the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre (K.S.P.)
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21
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Opoka RO, Waiswa A, Harriet N, John CC, Tumwine JK, Karamagi C. Blackwater Fever in Ugandan Children With Severe Anemia is Associated With Poor Postdischarge Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:2247-2254. [PMID: 31300826 PMCID: PMC7245149 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz648] [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: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blackwater fever (BWF), one of the complications of severe malaria, has recently re-emerged as a cause of severe anemia (SA) in African children. However, postdischarge morbidity in children with BWF has previously not been described. METHODS This was a descriptive cohort study in which children, aged 0-5 years, admitted to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital with acute episodes of SA (hemoglobin ≤5.0 g/dL) were followed up for 6 months after hospitalization. Incidence of readmissions or deaths during the follow-up period was compared between SA children with BWF and those without BWF. RESULTS A total of 279 children with SA including those with BWF (n = 92) and no BWF (n = 187) were followed for the duration of the study. Overall, 128 (45.9%) of the study participants were readmitted at least once while 22 (7.9%) died during the follow-up period. After adjusting for age, sex, nutritional status, and parasitemia, SA children with BWF had higher risk of readmissions (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.5) and a greater risk of death (HR. 3.37; 95% CI, 1.3-8.5) compared with those without BWF. Malaria and recurrence of SA were the most common reasons for readmissions. CONCLUSIONS There is a high rate of readmissions and deaths in the immediate 6 months after initial hospitalization among SA children in the Jinja hospital. SA children with BWF had increased risk of readmissions and deaths in the postdischarge period. Postdischarge malaria chemoprophylaxis should be considered for SA children living in malaria endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert O Opoka
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Ali Waiswa
- Global Health Uganda (GHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala
| | - Nambuya Harriet
- Nalufenya Children’s Ward, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - James K Tumwine
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala
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22
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Murphy KJ, Conroy AL, Ddungu H, Shrestha R, Kyeyune-Byabazaire D, Petersen MR, Musisi E, Patel EU, Kasirye R, Bloch EM, Lubega I, John CC, Hume HA, Tobian AA. Malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Uganda. Transfusion 2020; 60:955-964. [PMID: 32282944 PMCID: PMC7908807 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a leading transfusion associated infectious risk in endemic areas. However, the prevalence of malaria parasitemia has not been well characterized in blood donor populations. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium in red blood cell (RBC) and whole blood (WB) units after the rainy season in Uganda. METHODS AND MATERIALS Between May and July 2018, blood was collected from the sample diversion pouch of 1000 WB donors in Kampala and Jinja, Uganda. The RBC pellet from ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood was stored at -80°C until testing. DNA was extracted and nested PCR was used to screen samples at the genus level for Plasmodium, with positive samples further tested for species identification. RESULTS Malaria parasitemia among asymptomatic, eligible blood donors in two regions of Uganda was 15.4%; 87.7% (135/154) of infections were with P. falciparum, while P. malariae and P. ovale were also detected. There were 4.3% of blood donors who had mixed infection with multiple species. Older donors (>30 years vs. 17-19 years; aPR = 0.31 [95% CI = 0.17-0.58]), females (aPR = 0.60 [95% CI = 0.42-0.87]), repeat donors (aPR = 0.44 [95% CI = 0.27-0.72]) and those donating near the capital city of Kampala versus rural Jinja region (aPR = 0.49 [95% CI = 0.34-0.69]) had a lower prevalence of malaria parasitemia. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of asymptomatic blood donors residing in a malaria endemic region demonstrate evidence of parasitemia at time of donation. Further research is needed to quantify the risk and associated burden of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) in order to inform strategies to prevent TTM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J. Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrea L. Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Ruchee Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Molly R. Petersen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ezra Musisi
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Evan M. Bloch
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Chandy C. John
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather A. Hume
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Ste-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Aaron A.R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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23
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment could help prevent malaria in infants (IPTi) living in areas of moderate to high malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) policy recommended IPTi in 2010, but its adoption in countries has been limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with antimalarial drugs to prevent malaria in infants living in malaria-endemic areas. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following sources up to 3 December 2018: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (OVID), LILACS (Bireme), and reference lists of articles. We also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) portal for ongoing trials up to 3 December 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IPT to placebo or no intervention in infants (defined as young children aged between 1 to 12 months) in malaria-endemic areas. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcome was clinical malaria (fever plus asexual parasitaemia). Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, evaluated the risk of bias, and extracted data. We summarized dichotomous outcomes and count data using risk ratios (RR) and rate ratios respectively, and presented all measures with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We extracted protective efficacy values and their 95% CIs; when an included trial did not report this data, we calculated these values from the RR or rate ratio with its 95% CI. Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 trials that enrolled 19,098 infants; all were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Three trials were cluster-RCTs. IPTi with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) was evaluated in 10 trials from 1999 to 2013 (n = 15,256). Trials evaluating ACTs included dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (1 trial, 147 participants; year 2013), amodiaquine-artesunate (1 study, 684 participants; year 2008), and SP-artesunate (1 trial, 676 participants; year 2008). The earlier studies evaluated IPTi with SP, and were conducted in Tanzania (in 1999 and 2006), Mozambique (2004), Ghana (2004 to 2005), Gabon (2005), Kenya (2008), and Mali (2009). One trial evaluated IPTi with amodiaquine in Tanzania (2000). Later studies included three conducted in Kenya (2008), Tanzania (2008), and Uganda (2013), evaluating IPTi in multiple trial arms that included artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Although the effect size varied over time and between drugs, overall IPTi impacts on the incidence of clinical malaria overall, with a 27% reduction (rate ratio 0.73, 0.65 to 0.82; 10 studies, 10,602 participants). The effect of SP appeared to attenuate over time, with trials conducted after 2009 showing little or no effect of the intervention. IPTi with SP probably resulted in fewer episodes of clinical malaria (rate ratio 0.79, 0.74 to 0.85; 8 trials, 8774 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), anaemia (rate ratio 0.82, 0.68 to 0.98; 6 trials, 7438 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), parasitaemia (rate ratio 0.66, 0.56 to 0.79; 1 trial, 1200 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), and fewer hospital admissions (rate ratio 0.85, 0.78 to 0.93; 7 trials, 7486 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). IPTi with SP probably made little or no difference to all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.93, 0.74 to 1.15; 9 trials, 14,588 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). Since 2009, IPTi trials have evaluated ACTs and indicate impact on clinical malaria and parasitaemia. A small trial of DHAP in 2013 shows substantive effects on clinical malaria (RR 0.42, 0.33 to 0.54; 1 trial, 147 participants, moderate-certainty evidence) and parasitaemia (moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In areas of sub-Saharan Africa, giving antimalarial drugs known to be effective against the malaria parasite at the time to infants as IPT probably reduces the risk of clinical malaria, anaemia, and hospital admission. Evidence from SP studies over a 19-year period shows declining efficacy, which may be due to increasing drug resistance. Combinations with ACTs appear promising as suitable alternatives for IPTi. 2 December 2019 Up to date All studies incorporated from most recent search All eligible published studies found in the last search (3 Dec, 2018) were included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekpereonne B Esu
- College of Medical Sciences, University of CalabarDepartment of Public HealthCalabarCross River StateNigeria
| | - Chioma Oringanje
- University of TucsonGIDP Entomology and Insect ScienceTucsonArizonaUSA85721
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- University of Calabar Teaching HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsPMB 1115CalabarCross River StateNigeria
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24
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Madrid L, Casellas A, Sacoor C, Quintó L, Sitoe A, Varo R, Acácio S, Nhampossa T, Massora S, Sigaúque B, Mandomando I, Cousens S, Menéndez C, Alonso P, Macete E, Bassat Q. Postdischarge Mortality Prediction in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2018-0606. [PMID: 30552144 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the burden of postdischarge mortality (PDM) in low-income settings appears to be significant, no clear recommendations have been proposed in relation to follow-up care after hospitalization. We aimed to determine the burden of pediatric PDM and develop predictive models to identify children who are at risk for dying after discharge. METHODS Deaths after hospital discharge among children aged <15 years in the last 17 years were reviewed in an area under demographic and morbidity surveillance in Southern Mozambique. We determined PDM over time (up to 90 days) and derived predictive models of PDM using easily collected variables on admission. RESULTS Overall PDM was high (3.6%), with half of the deaths occurring in the first 30 days. One primary predictive model for all ages included young age, moderate or severe malnutrition, a history of diarrhea, clinical pneumonia symptoms, prostration, bacteremia, having a positive HIV status, the rainy season, and transfer or absconding, with an area under the curve of 0.79 (0.75-0.82) at day 90 after discharge. Alternative models for all ages including simplified clinical predictors had a similar performance. A model specific to infants <3 months old was used to identify as predictors being a neonate, having a low weight-for-age z score, having breathing difficulties, having hypothermia or fever, having oral candidiasis, and having a history of absconding or transfer to another hospital, with an area under the curve of 0.76 (0.72-0.91) at day 90 of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Death after discharge is an important although poorly recognized contributor to child mortality. A simple predictive algorithm based on easily recognizable variables could readily be used to identify most infants and children who are at a high risk of dying after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Madrid
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Casellas
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Llorenç Quintó
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Sitoe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rosauro Varo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sozinho Acácio
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Sergio Massora
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Betuel Sigaúque
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Simon Cousens
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red (CIBER) de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Alonso
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusebio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique; .,Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health and Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain; and.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Nemetchek B, English L, Kissoon N, Ansermino JM, Moschovis PP, Kabakyenga J, Fowler-Kerry S, Kumbakumba E, Wiens MO. Paediatric postdischarge mortality in developing countries: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023445. [PMID: 30593550 PMCID: PMC6318528 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update the current evidence base on paediatric postdischarge mortality (PDM) in developing countries. Secondary objectives included an evaluation of risk factors, timing and location of PDM. DESIGN Systematic literature review without meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Searches of Medline and EMBASE were conducted from October 2012 to July 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies were included if they were conducted in developing countries and examined paediatric PDM. 1238 articles were screened, yielding 11 eligible studies. These were added to 13 studies identified in a previous systematic review including studies prior to October 2012. In total, 24 studies were included for analysis. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted and synthesised data using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS Studies were conducted mostly within African countries (19 of 24) and looked at all admissions or specific subsets of admissions. The primary subpopulations included malnutrition, respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, malaria and anaemia. The anaemia and malaria subpopulations had the lowest PDM rates (typically 1%-2%), while those with malnutrition and respiratory infections had the highest (typically 3%-20%). Although there was significant heterogeneity between study populations and follow-up periods, studies consistently found rates of PDM to be similar, or to exceed, in-hospital mortality. Furthermore, over two-thirds of deaths after discharge occurred at home. Highly significant risk factors for PDM across all infectious admissions included HIV status, young age, pneumonia, malnutrition, anthropometric variables, hypoxia, anaemia, leaving hospital against medical advice and previous hospitalisations. CONCLUSIONS Postdischarge mortality rates are often as high as in-hospital mortality, yet remain largely unaddressed. Most children who die following discharge do so at home, suggesting that interventions applied prior to discharge are ideal to addressing this neglected cause of mortality. The development, therefore, of evidence-based, risk-guided, interventions must be a focus to achieve the sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooklyn Nemetchek
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lacey English
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Niranjan Kissoon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Mark Ansermino
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter P Moschovis
- Division of Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jerome Kabakyenga
- Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Susan Fowler-Kerry
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Elias Kumbakumba
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Matthew O Wiens
- Center for International Child Health, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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26
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Introducing post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) for management of severe anemia in Malawian children: a qualitative study of community health workers' perceptions and motivation. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:984. [PMID: 30567567 PMCID: PMC6299958 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe malarial anaemia is one of the leading causes of paediatric hospital admissions in Malawi. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) is the intermittent administration of full treatment courses of antimalarial to children recovering from severe anaemia and findings suggest that this intervention significantly reduces readmissions and deaths in these children. Community delivery of health interventions utilizing community health workers (CHWs) has been successful in some programmes and not very positive in others. In Malawi, there is an on-going cluster randomised trial that aims to find the optimum strategy for delivery of dihydroartemesinin-piperaquine (DHP) for PMC in children with severe anaemia. Our qualitative study aimed to explore the feasibility of utilizing CHWs also known as health surveillance assistants (HSAs) to remind caregivers to administer PMC medication in the existing Malawian health system. Methods Between December 2016 and March 2018, 20 individual in-depth-interviews (IDIs) and 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 39 HSAs who had the responsibility of conducting home visits to remind caregivers of children who were prescribed PMC medication in the trial. All interviews were conducted in the local language, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. The transcripts were uploaded to NVIVO 11 and analysed using the thematic framework analysis method. Results Although intrinsic motivation was reportedly high, adherence to the required number of home visits was very poor with only 10 HSAs reporting full adherence. Positive factors for adherence were the knowledge and perception of the effectiveness of PMC and the recognition from the community as well as health system. Poor training, lack of supervision, high workload, as well as technical and structural difficulties; were reported barriers to adherence by the HSAs. Conclusions Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention with DHP is perceived as a positive approach to manage children recovering from severe anaemia by HSAs in Malawi. However, adherence to home visit reminders was very poor and the involvement of HSAs in a scale up of this intervention may pose a challenge in the existing Malawian health system. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02721420. The trial was registered on 26 March 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3791-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Kwambai TK, Dhabangi A, Idro R, Opoka R, Kariuki S, Samuels AM, Desai M, van Hensbroek MB, John CC, Robberstad B, Wang D, Phiri K, Ter Kuile FO. Malaria chemoprevention with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the post-discharge management of severe anaemia in children aged less than 5 years in Uganda and Kenya: study protocol for a multi-centre, two-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, superiority trial. Trials 2018; 19:610. [PMID: 30400934 PMCID: PMC6220494 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children hospitalised with severe anaemia in malaria endemic areas in Africa are at high risk of readmission or death within 6 months post-discharge. Currently, no strategy specifically addresses this period. In Malawi, 3 months of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) with monthly treatment courses of artemether-lumefantrine given at discharge and at 1 and 2 months prevented 30% of all-cause readmissions by 6 months post-discharge. Another efficacy trial is needed before a policy of malaria chemoprevention can be considered for the post-discharge management of severe anaemia in children under 5 years of age living in malaria endemic areas. Objective We aim to determine if 3 months of PMC with monthly 3-day treatment courses of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is safe and superior to a single 3-day treatment course with artemether-lumefantrine provided as part of standard in-hospital care in reducing all-cause readmissions and deaths (composite primary endpoint) by 6 months in the post-discharge management of children less than 5 years of age admitted with severe anaemia of any or undetermined cause. Methods/design This is a multi-centre, two-arm, placebo-controlled, individually randomised trial in children under 5 years of age recently discharged following management for severe anaemia. Children in both arms will receive standard in-hospital care for severe anaemia and a 3-day course of artemether-lumefantrine at discharge. At 2 weeks after discharge, surviving children will be randomised to receive either 3-day courses of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine at 2, 6 and 10 weeks or an identical placebo and followed for 26 weeks through passive case detection. The trial will be conducted in hospitals in malaria endemic areas in Kenya and Uganda. The study is designed to detect a 25% reduction in the incidence of all-cause readmissions or death (composite primary outcome) from 1152 to 864 per 1000 child years (power 80%, α = 0.05) and requires 520 children per arm (1040 total children). Results Participant recruitment started in May 2016 and is ongoing. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02671175. Registered on 28 January 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2972-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titus K Kwambai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), PO Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya. .,Kisumu County Department of Health, Kenya Ministry of Health, Kisumu, Kenya. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK.
| | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), PO Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Aaron M Samuels
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Boele van Hensbroek
- Department of Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
| | - Kamija Phiri
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), PO Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
Malaria is a major cause of anaemia in tropical areas. Malaria infection causes haemolysis of infected and uninfected erythrocytes and bone marrow dyserythropoiesis which compromises rapid recovery from anaemia. In areas of high malaria transmission malaria nearly all infants and young children, and many older children and adults have a reduced haemoglobin concentration as a result. In these areas severe life-threatening malarial anaemia requiring blood transfusion in young children is a major cause of hospital admission, particularly during the rainy season months when malaria transmission is highest. In severe malaria, the mortality rises steeply below an admission haemoglobin of 3 g/dL, but it also increases with higher haemoglobin concentrations approaching the normal range. In the management of severe malaria transfusion thresholds remain uncertain. Prevention of malaria by vector control, deployment of insecticide-treated bed nets, prompt and accurate diagnosis of illness and appropriate use of effective anti-malarial drugs substantially reduces the burden of anaemia in tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J White
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Gondwe T, Robberstad B, Mukaka M, Lange S, Blomberg B, Phiri K. Delivery strategies for malaria chemoprevention with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the post-discharge management of severe anaemia in children aged less than 5 years old in Malawi: a protocol for a cluster randomized trial. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:238. [PMID: 30029620 PMCID: PMC6057552 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children initially hospitalized with severe anaemia in Africa are at high risk of readmission or death within 6 months after discharge. No intervention strategy specifically protects children during the post-discharge period. Recent evidence from Malawi shows that 3 months of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) with monthly treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in children with severe malarial anaemia prevented 31% of deaths and readmissions. While a confirmatory multi-centre trial for PMC with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is on going in Kenya and Uganda, there is a need to design and evaluate an effective delivery strategy for this promising intervention. METHODS This is a cluster-randomized trial with 5 arms, each representing a unique PMC delivery strategy. Convalescent children aged less than 5 years and weighing more than 5 kg admitted with severe anaemia and clinically stable are included. All eligible children will receive dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after discharge either: 1) in the community without an SMS reminder; 2) in the community with an SMS reminder; 3) in the community with a community health worker reminder; 4) at the hospital with an SMS reminder; or 5) at the hospital without an SMS reminder. For community-based strategies (1, 2 and 3), mothers will be given all the PMC doses at the time of discharge while for hospital-based strategies (4 and 5) mothers will be required to visit the hospital each month. Each arm will consist of 25 clusters with an average of 3 children per cluster giving approximately 75 children and will be followed up for 15 weeks. The primary outcome measure is uptake of complete courses of PMC drugs. DISCUSSION The proposed study will help to identify the most effective, cost-effective, acceptable and feasible strategy for delivering malaria chemoprevention for post-discharge management of severe anaemia in under-five children in the Malawian context. This information is important for policy decision in the quest for new strategies for malaria control in children in similar contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02721420 . Protocol registered on 29 March 2016.The study was not retrospectively registered but there was a delay between date of submission and the date it first became available on the registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thandile Gondwe
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Private Bag, 360 Blantyre, Malawi
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Siri Lange
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, Jekteviksbakken 31, 5006 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Christiesgt. 13, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Blomberg
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamija Phiri
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Private Bag, 360 Blantyre, Malawi
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Svege S, Kaunda B, Robberstad B, Nkosi-Gondwe T, Phiri KS, Lange S. Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) in Malawi: caregivers` acceptance and preferences with regard to delivery methods. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:544. [PMID: 29996833 PMCID: PMC6042227 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In malaria endemic countries of sub-Saharan Africa, many children develop severe anaemia due to previous and current malaria infections. After blood transfusions and antimalarial treatment at the hospital they are usually discharged without any follow-up. In the post-discharge period, these children may contract new malaria infections and develop rebound severe anaemia. A randomised placebo-controlled trial in Malawi showed 31% reduction in malaria- and anaemia-related deaths or hospital readmissions among children under 5 years of age given antimalarial drugs for 3 months post-discharge. Thus, post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) may provide substantial protection against malaria and anaemia in young children living in areas of high malaria transmission. A delivery implementation trial is currently being conducted in Malawi to determine the optimal strategy for PMC delivery. In the trial, PMC is delivered through community- or facility-based methods with or without the use of reminders via phone text message or visit from a Health Surveillance Assistant. This paper describes the acceptance of PMC among caregivers. Methods From October to December 2016, 30 in-depth interviews and 5 focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers of children who recently completed the last treatment course in the trial. Views on the feasibility of various delivery methods and reminder strategies were collected. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated to English, and coded using the software programme NVivo. Results Community-based delivery was perceived as more favourable than facility-based delivery due to easy home access to drugs and fewer financial concerns. Many caregivers reported lack of visits from Health Surveillance Assistants and preferred text message reminders sent directly to their phones rather than waiting on these visits. Positive attitudes towards active use of health cards for remembering treatment dates were especially evident. Additionally, caregivers shared positive experiences from participation in the programme and described dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as a safe and effective antimalarial drug that improved the health and well-being of their children. Conclusions Post-discharge malaria chemoprevention given to children under the age of 5 previously treated for severe anaemia is highly accepted among caregivers. Caregivers prefer community-based delivery with use of health cards as their primary tool of reference. Trial registration NCT02721420 (February 13, 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Svege
- Centre for International Health and Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Blessings Kaunda
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Centre for International Health and Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thandile Nkosi-Gondwe
- Centre for International Health and Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Siri Lange
- Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Byakika-Kibwika P, Achan J, Lamorde M, Karera-Gonahasa C, Kiragga AN, Mayanja-Kizza H, Kiwanuka N, Nsobya S, Talisuna AO, Merry C. Intravenous artesunate plus Artemisnin based Combination Therapy (ACT) or intravenous quinine plus ACT for treatment of severe malaria in Ugandan children: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:794. [PMID: 29281988 PMCID: PMC5745850 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe malaria is a medical emergency associated with high mortality. Adequate treatment requires initial parenteral therapy for fast parasite clearance followed by longer acting oral antimalarial drugs for cure and prevention of recrudescence. Methods In a randomized controlled clinical trial, we evaluated the 42-day parasitological outcomes of severe malaria treatment with intravenous artesunate (AS) or intravenous quinine (QNN) followed by oral artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) in children living in a high malaria transmission setting in Eastern Uganda. Results We enrolled 300 participants and all were included in the intention to treat analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment arms. The median and interquartile range for number of days from baseline to parasite clearance was significantly lower among participants who received intravenous AS (2 (1–2) vs 3 (2–3), P < 0.001). Overall, 63.3% (178/281) of the participants had unadjusted parasitological treatment failure over the 42-day follow-up period. Molecular genotyping to distinguish re-infection from recrudescence was performed in a sample of 127 of the 178 participants, of whom majority 93 (73.2%) had re-infection and 34 (26.8%) had recrudescence. The 42 day risk of recrudescence did not differ with ACT administered. Adverse events were of mild to moderate severity and consistent with malaria symptoms. Conclusion In this high transmission setting, we observed adequate initial treatment outcomes followed by very high rates of malaria re-infection post severe malaria treatment. The impact of recurrent antimalarial treatment on the long term efficacy of antimalarial regimens needs to be investigated and surveillance mechanisms for resistance markers established since recurrent malaria infections are likely to be exposed to sub-therapeutic drug concentrations. More strategies for prevention of recurrent malaria infections in the most at risk populations are needed. Trial registration The study was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201110000321348).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box, 7072, Kampala, Uganda. .,Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jane Achan
- Medical Research Council Unit, Serekunda, The Gambia
| | | | | | | | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box, 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- Department of Pathology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Concepta Merry
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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32
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Opoka RO, Hamre KES, Brand N, Bangirana P, Idro R, John CC. High Postdischarge Morbidity in Ugandan Children With Severe Malarial Anemia or Cerebral Malaria. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2017; 6:e41-e48. [PMID: 28339598 PMCID: PMC5907851 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piw060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria (CM) and severe malarial anemia (SMA) account for a substantial proportion of malaria-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. However, postdischarge morbidity in children with CM or SMA has not been well established. METHODS Children 18 months to 12 years of age, enrolled on admission to Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda (CM, n = 162; SMA, n = 138), and healthy children recruited from the community (CC) (n = 133) were followed up for 6 months. The incidences of hospitalizations and outpatient clinic visits for illness during the follow-up period were compared between children with CM or SMA and the CC. RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, and nutritional status, children with SMA had a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) than CC for hospitalization (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.81 [2.48-174.68]), hospitalization with malaria (17.29 [95% CI, 2.02-148.35]), and clinic visits for any illness (95% CI, 2.35 [1.22-4.51]). Adjusted IRRs for children with CM were also increased for all measures compared with those for CC, but they achieved statistical significance only for clinic visits for any illness (2.24 [95% CI, 1.20-4.15]). In both groups, the primary reason for the clinic visits and hospitalizations was malaria. CONCLUSIONS In the 6 months after initial hospitalization, children with SMA have an increased risk of repeated hospitalization, and children with CM or SMA have an increased risk of outpatient illness. Malaria is the main cause of inpatient and outpatient morbidity. Malaria prophylaxis has the potential to decrease postdischarge morbidity rates in children with SMA or CM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen E S Hamre
- Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Nathan Brand
- Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York; and
| | | | | | - Chandy C John
- Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis;,Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis,Corresponding Author: C. C. John, MD, MS, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, 1044 W. Walnut St, R4 402D, Indianapolis, IN 44202. E-mail:
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33
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Fanello C, Onyamboko M, Lee SJ, Woodrow C, Setaphan S, Chotivanich K, Buffet P, Jauréguiberry S, Rockett K, Stepniewska K, Day NPJ, White NJ, Dondorp AM. Post-treatment haemolysis in African children with hyperparasitaemic falciparum malaria; a randomized comparison of artesunate and quinine. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:575. [PMID: 28818049 PMCID: PMC5561573 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parenteral artesunate is the treatment of choice for severe malaria. Recently, haemolytic anaemia occurring 1 to 3 weeks after artesunate treatment of falciparum malaria has been reported in returning travellers in temperate countries. Methods To assess these potential safety concerns in African children, in whom most deaths from malaria occur, an open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 217 children aged between 6 months and 14 years with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria and parasite densities over 100,000/μL were randomly allocated to intravenous artesunate or quinine, hospitalized for 3 days and then followed for 42 days. Results The immediate reduction in haemoglobin was less with artesunate than with quinine: median (IQR) fall at 72 h 1.4 g/dL (0.90–1.95) vs. 1.7 g/dL (1.10–2.40) (p = 0.009). This was explained by greater pitting then recirculation of once infected erythrocytes. Only 5% of patients (in both groups) had a ≥ 10% reduction in haemoglobin after day 7 (p = 0.1). One artesunate treated patient with suspected concomitant sepsis had a protracted clinical course and required a blood transfusion on day 14. Conclusions Clinically significant delayed haemolysis following parenteral artesunate is uncommon in African children hospitalised with acute falciparum malaria and high parasitaemias. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT02092766 (18/03/2014) Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2678-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fanello
- 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.
| | - M Onyamboko
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - S J Lee
- 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
| | - C Woodrow
- 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
| | - S Setaphan
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - K Chotivanich
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - P Buffet
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Université Paris Descartes/INSERM UMR_S 1134, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Paris, France
| | - S Jauréguiberry
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Paris, France
| | - K Rockett
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - K Stepniewska
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK
| | - N P J Day
- 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
| | - N 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
| | - A M Dondorp
- 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
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Denoeud-Ndam L, Dicko A, Baudin E, Guindo O, Grandesso F, Diawara H, Sissoko S, Sanogo K, Traoré S, Keita S, Barry A, de Smet M, Lasry E, Smit M, Wiesner L, Barnes KI, Djimde AA, Guerin PJ, Grais RF, Doumbo OK, Etard JF. Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in relation to drug exposure in children with and without severe acute malnutrition: an open comparative intervention study in Mali and Niger. BMC Med 2016; 14:167. [PMID: 27776521 PMCID: PMC5079061 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects almost all organs and has been associated with reduced intestinal absorption of medicines. However, very limited information is available on the pharmacokinetic properties of antimalarial drugs in this vulnerable population. We assessed artemether-lumefantrine (AL) clinical efficacy in children with SAM compared to those without. METHODS Children under 5 years of age with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled between November 2013 and January 2015 in Mali and Niger, one third with uncomplicated SAM and two thirds without. AL was administered under direct observation with a fat intake consisting of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF - Plumpy'Nut®) in SAM children, twice daily during 3 days. Children were followed for 42 days, with PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at day 28 as the primary outcome. Lumefantrine concentrations were assessed in a subset of participants at different time points, including systematic measurements on day 7. RESULTS A total of 399 children (360 in Mali and 39 in Niger) were enrolled. Children with SAM were younger than their non-SAM counterparts (mean 17 vs. 28 months, P < 0.0001). PCR-corrected ACPR was 100 % (95 % CI, 96.8-100 %) in SAM at both day 28 and 42, versus 98.8 % (96.4-99.7 %) at day 28 and 98.3 % (95.6-99.4 %) at day 42 in non-SAM (P = 0.236 and 0.168, respectively). Compared to younger children, children older than 21 months experienced more reinfections and SAM was associated with a greater risk of reinfection until day 28 (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.10 (1.04-4.22), P = 0.038). Day 7 lumefantrine concentrations were significantly lower in SAM than non-SAM (median 251 vs. 365 ng/mL, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS This study shows comparable therapeutic efficacy of AL in children without SAM and in those with SAM when given in combination with RUTF, but a higher risk of reinfection in older children suffering from SAM. This could be associated with poorer exposure to the antimalarials as documented by a lower lumefantrine concentration on day 7. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01958905 , registration date: October 7, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | | | - Halimatou Diawara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sibiri Sissoko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Koualy Sanogo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seydou Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekouba Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Barry
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Michiel Smit
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen I Barnes
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
| | - Abdoulaye A Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Philippe J Guerin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-stomatologie et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université des Sciences Techniques et Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jean-François Etard
- Epicentre, Paris, France.,TransVIHMI UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) - Inserm U 1175 - Montpellier 1 University, Montpellier, France
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Cairns ME, Walker PGT, Okell LC, Griffin JT, Garske T, Asante KP, Owusu-Agyei S, Diallo D, Dicko A, Cisse B, Greenwood BM, Chandramohan D, Ghani AC, Milligan PJ. Seasonality in malaria transmission: implications for case-management with long-acting artemisinin combination therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. Malar J 2015; 14:321. [PMID: 26283418 PMCID: PMC4539702 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0839-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long-acting artemisinin-based combination therapy (LACT) offers the potential to prevent recurrent malaria attacks in highly exposed children. However, it is not clear where this advantage will be most important, and deployment of these drugs is not rationalized on this basis. Methods To understand where post-treatment prophylaxis would be most beneficial, the relationship between seasonality, transmission intensity and the interval between malaria episodes was explored using data from six cohort studies in West Africa and an individual-based malaria transmission model. The total number of recurrent malaria cases per 1000 child-years at risk, and the fraction of the total annual burden that this represents were estimated for sub-Saharan Africa. Results In settings where prevalence is less than 10 %, repeat malaria episodes constitute a small fraction of the total burden, and few repeat episodes occur within the window of protection provided by currently available drugs. However, in higher transmission settings, and particularly in high transmission settings with highly seasonal transmission, repeat malaria becomes increasingly important, with up to 20 % of the total clinical burden in children estimated to be due to repeat episodes within 4 weeks of a prior attack. Conclusion At a given level of transmission intensity and annual incidence, the concentration of repeat malaria episodes in time, and consequently the protection from LACT is highest in the most seasonal areas. As a result, the degree of seasonality, in addition to the overall intensity of transmission, should be considered by policy makers when deciding between ACT that differ in their duration of post-treatment prophylaxis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0839-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick G T Walker
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Lucy C Okell
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Jamie T Griffin
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Tini Garske
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Diadier Diallo
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, LSHTM, London, UK. .,PATH-Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Dakar, Senegal.
| | | | - Badara Cisse
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, LSHTM, London, UK. .,Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
| | | | | | - Azra C Ghani
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Harris-Brown TM, Paterson DL. Reporting of pre-enrolment screening with randomized clinical trials: A small item that could impact a big difference. Perspect Clin Res 2015; 6:139-43. [PMID: 26229749 PMCID: PMC4504055 DOI: 10.4103/2229-3485.159937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), when conducted using ethical and transparent methods, become the ultimate standard for producing evidence-based knowledge in the field of medical research. We sought to determine the proportion of RCTs in which the number of screened patients is reported, and also to ascertain what predicted efficient screening (i.e., a high number of screened participants being enrolled). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five RCTs from the Journals Clinical Infectious Diseases and The Lancet Infectious Diseases were reviewed from the time period of January 2012 to July 2013 using standardised criteria. Results: From the 35 RCTs, 9 of 35 (26%) did not report the number of patients screened prior to recruitment. From the 26 studies that reported this screening figure, 10,215 (47%; range: 2-98%) of the screened participants (21,862) were subsequently enrolled. About 18.3% of those screened and not enrolled, met inclusion and exclusion criteria yet did not wish to participate in an RCT. Studies performed in developed countries and pediatric populations were more likely to have low rates of enrolment compared with the screened population although there was no statistical significance to these associations (P = 0.2 for both variables). Conclusion: Many reports of RCTs do not report screening figures, even though these add useful information about the feasibility of future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M Harris-Brown
- Department of Infection and Immunity Theme, The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- Department of Infection and Immunity Theme, The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia is a global public health problem. Children under five years of age living in developing countries (mostly Africa and South-East Asia) are highly affected. Although the causes for anaemia are multifactorial, malaria has been linked to anaemia in children living in malaria-endemic areas. Administering intermittent preventive antimalarial treatment (IPT) to children might reduce anaemia, since it could protect children from new Plasmodium parasite infection (the parasites that cause malaria) and allow their haemoglobin levels to recover. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of IPT for children with anaemia living in malaria-endemic areas. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, Cochrane Central of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in The Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; EMBASE; and LILACS. We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trial Registry Platform and metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) for ongoing trials up to 4 December 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of IPT on children with anaemia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We analysed data by conducting meta-analyses, stratifying data according to whether participants received iron supplements or not. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS Six trials with 3847 participants met our inclusion criteria. Trials were conducted in areas of low malaria endemicity (three trials), and moderate to high endemicity (three trials). Four trials were in areas of seasonal malaria transmission. Iron was given to all children in two trials, and evaluated in a factorial design in a further two trials.IPT for children with anaemia probably has little or no effect on the proportion anaemic at 12 weeks follow-up (four trials, 2237 participants, (moderate quality evidence).IPT in anaemic children probably increases the mean change in haemoglobin levels from baseline to follow-up at 12 weeks on average by 0.32 g/dL (MD 0.32, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.45; four trials, 1672 participants, moderate quality evidence); and may improve haemoglobin levels at 12 weeks (MD 0.35, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.64; four trials, 1672 participants, low quality evidence). For both of these outcomes, subgroup analysis did not demonstrate a difference between children receiving iron and those that did not.IPT for children with anaemia probably has little or no effect on mortality or hospital admissions at six months (three trials, 3160 participants moderate quality evidence). Subgroup analysis did not show a difference between those children receiving iron supplements and those that did not. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Trials did show a small effect on average haemoglobin levels but this did not appear to translate into an effect on mortality and hospital admissions. Three of the six trials were conducted in low endemicity areas where transmission is low and thus any protective effect is likely to be modest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdunoor M Kabanywanyi
- Ifakara Health InstituteP O Box 78373Kiko Avenue, Old Bagamoyo RoadDar‐es‐salaamTanzania
| | - Anke C Rohwer
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zijl DriveCape TownSouth Africa7505
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Silal SP, Little F, Barnes KI, White LJ. Towards malaria elimination in Mpumalanga, South Africa: a population-level mathematical modelling approach. Malar J 2014; 13:297. [PMID: 25086861 PMCID: PMC4127654 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mpumalanga in South Africa is committed to eliminating malaria by 2018 and efforts are increasing beyond that necessary for malaria control. Differential Equation models may be used to study the incidence and spread of disease with an important benefit being the ability to enact exogenous change on the system to predict impact without committing any real resources. The model is a deterministic non-linear ordinary differential equation representation of the dynamics of the human population. The model is fitted to weekly data of treated cases from 2002 to 2008, and then validated with data from 2009 to 2012. Elimination-focused interventions such as the scale-up of vector control, mass drug administration, a focused mass screen and treat campaign and foreign source reduction are applied to the model to assess their potential impact on transmission. RESULTS Scaling up vector control by 10% and 20% resulted in substantial predicted decreases in local infections with little impact on imported infections. Mass drug administration is a high impact but short-lived intervention with predicted decreases in local infections of less that one infection per year. However, transmission reverted to pre-intervention levels within three years. Focused mass screen and treat campaigns at border-entry points are predicted to result in a knock-on decrease in local infections through a reduction in the infectious reservoir. This knock-on decrease in local infections was also predicted to be achieved through foreign source reduction. Elimination was only predicted to be possible under the scenario of zero imported infections in Mpumalanga. CONCLUSIONS A constant influx of imported infections show that vector control alone will not be able to eliminate local malaria as it is insufficient to interrupt transmission. Both mass interventions have a large and immediate impact. Yet in countries with a large migrant population, these interventions may fail due to the reintroduction of parasites and their impact may be short-lived. While all strategies (in isolation or combined) contributed to decreasing local infections, none was predicted to decrease local infections to zero. The number of imported infections highlights the importance of reducing imported infections at source, and a regional approach to malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal P Silal
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francesca Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen I Barnes
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lisa J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Thachil J, Owusu-Ofori S, Bates I. Haematological Diseases in the Tropics. MANSON'S TROPICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014. [PMCID: PMC7167525 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5101-2.00066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Athuman M, Kabanywanyi AM, Rohwer AC. Intermittent preventive antimalarial treatment for children with anaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Chamlian M, Bastos EL, Maciel C, Capurro ML, Miranda A, Silva AF, Torres MDT, Oliveira VX. A study of the anti-plasmodium activity of angiotensin II analogs. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:575-80. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Chamlian
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André SP Brazil
| | - Erick L. Bastos
- Departamento de Química Fundamental; Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Ceres Maciel
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Margareth L. Capurro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Adriana F. Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André SP Brazil
| | - Marcelo Der T. Torres
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André SP Brazil
| | - Vani X. Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo André SP Brazil
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Pediatric post-discharge mortality in resource poor countries: a systematic review. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66698. [PMID: 23825556 PMCID: PMC3692523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mortality following hospital discharge is an important and under-recognized contributor to overall child mortality in developing countries. The primary objective of this systematic review was to identify all studies reporting post-discharge mortality in children, estimate likelihood of death, and determine the most important risk factors for death. Search Strategy MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched using MeSH terms and keywords from the inception date to October, 2012. Key word searches using Google Scholar™ and hand searching of references of retrieved articles was also performed. Studies from developing countries reporting mortality following hospital discharge among a pediatric population were considered for inclusion. Results Thirteen studies that reported mortality rates following discharge were identified. Studies varied significantly according to design, underlying characteristics of study population and duration of follow-up. Mortality rates following discharge varied significantly between studies (1%–18%). When reported, post-discharge mortality rates often exceeded in-hospital mortality rates. The most important baseline variables associated with post-discharge mortality were young age, malnutrition, multiple previous hospitalizations, HIV infection and pneumonia. Most post-discharge deaths occurred early during the post-discharge period. Follow-up care was examined in only one study examining malaria prophylaxis in children discharged following an admission secondary to malaria, which showed no significant benefit on post-discharge mortality. Conclusions The months following hospital discharge carry significant risk for morbidity and mortality. While several characteristics are strongly associated with post-discharge mortality, no validated tools are available to aid health workers or policy makers in the systematic identification of children at high risk of post-discharge mortality. Future research must focus on both the creation of tools to aid in defining groups of children most likely to benefit from post-discharge interventions, and formal assessment of the effectiveness of such interventions in reducing morbidity and mortality in the first few months following hospital discharge.
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Postels DG, Chimalizeni YF, Mallewa M, Boivin MJ, Seydel KB. Pediatric cerebral malaria: a scourge of Africa. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.12.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria, defined as an otherwise unexplained coma in a patient with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia, affects up to 1 million people per year, the vast majority of them being children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite optimal treatment, this condition kills 15% of those affected and leaves 30% of survivors with neurologic sequelae. The clinical diagnosis is hampered by its poor specificity, but the presence or absence of a malarial retinopathy in cerebral malaria has proven to be important in the differentiation of underlying coma etiology. Both antimalarials and intense supportive care are necessary for optimal treatment. As of yet, clinical trials of adjunctive therapies have not improved the high rates of mortality and morbidity. Survivors are at high risk of neurologic sequelae including epilepsy, neurodisabilities and cognitive–behavioral problems. The neuroanatomic and functional bases of these sequelae are being elucidated. Although adjunctive therapy trials continue, the best hope for African children may lie in disease prevention. Strategies include bednets, chemoprophylaxis and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yamikani F Chimalizeni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Macpherson Mallewa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | | | - Karl B Seydel
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Duncan CJ. Effect of intermittent preventative therapy for secondary prevention of severe malarial anaemia. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012; 12:906-907. [PMID: 23174373 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Wiens MO, Kumbakumba E, Kissoon N, Ansermino JM, Ndamira A, Larson CP. Pediatric sepsis in the developing world: challenges in defining sepsis and issues in post-discharge mortality. Clin Epidemiol 2012; 4:319-25. [PMID: 23226074 PMCID: PMC3514048 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s35693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis represents the progressive underlying inflammatory pathway secondary to any infectious illness, and ultimately is responsible for most infectious disease-related deaths. Addressing issues related to sepsis has been recognized as an important step towards reducing morbidity and mortality in developing countries, where the majority of the 7.5 million annual deaths in children under 5 years of age are considered to be secondary to sepsis. However, despite its prevalence, sepsis is largely neglected. Application of sepsis definitions created for use in resource-rich countries are neither practical nor feasible in most developing country settings, and alternative definitions designed for use in these settings need to be established. It has also been recognized that the inflammatory state created by sepsis increases the risk of post-discharge morbidity and mortality in developed countries, but exploration of this issue in developing countries is lacking. Research is urgently required to characterize better this potentially important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Wiens
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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