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Ndayishimiye JC, Teg-Nefaah Tabong P. Spatial distribution and determinants of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy: a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ghana malaria indicators survey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:379. [PMID: 38769513 PMCID: PMC11103814 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria during pregnancy is associated with poor maternal, foetal, and neonatal outcomes. To prevent malaria infection during pregnancy, the World Health Organization recommended the use of intermittent preventive therapy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in addition to vector control strategies. Although Ghana's target is to ensure that all pregnant women receive at least three (optimal) doses of SP, the uptake of SP has remained low; between 2020 and 2022, only 60% of pregnant women received optimal SP during their most recent pregnancy. This study sought to map the geospatial distribution and identify factors associated with SP uptake during pregnancy in Ghana. METHODS Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey dataset. The data analysed were restricted to women aged 15-49 years who reported having a live birth within the two years preceding the survey. A modified Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with SP uptake during pregnancy. Geospatial analysis was employed to map the spatial distribution of optimal SP uptake across the ten regions of Ghana using R software. RESULTS The likelihood that pregnant women received optimal SP correlated with early initiation of first antenatal care (ANC), number of ANC contacts, woman's age, region of residence, and family size. Overall, the greater the number of ANC contacts, the more likely for pregnant women to receive optimal SP. Women with four or more ANC contacts were 2 times (aPR: 2.16; 95% CI: [1.34-3.25]) more likely to receive optimal SP than pregnant women with fewer than four ANC contacts. In addition, early initiation and a high number of ANC contacts were associated with a high number of times a pregnant woman received SP. Regarding spatial distribution, a high uptake of optimal SP was significantly observed in the Upper East and Upper West Regions, whereas the lowest was observed in the Eastern Region of Ghana. CONCLUSIONS In Ghana, there were regional disparities in the uptake of SP during pregnancy, with the uptake mainly correlated with the provision of ANC services. To achieve the country's target for malaria control during pregnancy, there is a need to strengthen intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy by prioritizing comprehensive ANC services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Ndayishimiye
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Ibekpobaoku AN, Oboh MA, Faal F, Adeniji E, Ajibaye O, Idowu ET, Amambua-Ngwa A. Sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections and multiple drug resistant single nucleotide polymorphic alleles in pregnant women from southwestern Nigeria. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:129. [PMID: 38725016 PMCID: PMC11083805 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06763-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study evaluated sub-microscopic malaria infections in pregnancy using two malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs), microscopy and RT-PCR and characterized Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) drug resistant markers in positive samples. METHODS This was a cross sectional survey of 121 pregnant women. Participants were finger pricked, blood drops were collected for rapid diagnosis with P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 11 rapid diagnostic test kit and the ultra-sensitive Alere Pf malaria RDT, Blood smears for microscopy and dried blood spots on Whatman filter paper for molecular analysis were made. Real time PCR targeting the var acidic terminal sequence (varATS) gene of P. falciparum was carried out on a CFX 96 real time system thermocycler (BioRad) in discriminating malaria infections. For each run, laboratory strain of P. falciparum 3D7 and nuclease free water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Additionally, High resolution melt analyses was employed for genotyping of the different drug resistance markers. RESULTS Out of one hundred and twenty-one pregnant women sampled, the SD Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) detected eight (0.06%) cases, the ultra-sensitive Alere™ malaria Ag P.f rapid diagnostic test mRDT had similar outcome in the same samples as detected by the HRP2-based mRDT. Microscopy and RT-PCR confirmed four out of the eight infections detected by both rapid diagnostic tests as true positive and RT-PCR further detected three false negative samples by the two mRDTs providing a sub-microscopic malaria prevalence of 3.3%. Single nucleotide polymorphism in Pfdhps gene associated with sulphadoxine resistance revealed the presence of S613 mutant genotypes in three of the seven positive isolates and isolates with mixed wild/mutant genotype at codon A613S. Furthermore, four mixed genotypes at the A581G codon were also recorded while the other Pfdhps codons (A436G, A437G and K540E) showed the presence of wild type alleles. In the Pfdhfr gene, there were mutations in 28.6%, 28.6%, and 85.7% at the I51, R59 and N108 codons respectively. Mixed wild and mutant type genotypes were also observed in 28.6% each of the N51I, and C59R codons. For the Pfcrt, two haplotypes CVMNK and CVIET were observed. The SVMNT was altogether absent. Triple mutant CVIET 1(14.3%) and triple mutant + wild genotype CVIET + CVMNK 1(14.3%) were observed. The Pfmdr1 haplotypes were single mutants YYND 1(14.3%); NFND 1(14.3%) and double mutants YFND 4(57.1%); YYDD 1(14.3%).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary A Oboh
- Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit (MRC), Banjul, Gambia.
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, USA.
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria.
| | - Fatou Faal
- Medical Research Council The Gambia Unit (MRC), Banjul, Gambia
| | | | - Olusola Ajibaye
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Mukala J, Mogere D, Kirira P, Kanoi BN, Akisa V, Kobia F, Waweru H, Gitaka J. Predictors of birth weight in pregnant women with malaria: a prospective cohort facility-based study in Webuye-Kenya. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:187. [PMID: 38459499 PMCID: PMC10921604 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria, which remains a major public health burden, has a prevalence of 9 to 28% and malaria in pregnancy is associated with severe adverse outcomes for the mother and her baby. Here, we sought to determine the predictors of birth weight in a cohort of 140 women with malaria in pregnancy, who were recruited at the Webuye County hospital in Western Kenya. All study participants underwent malaria diagnosis through microscopic examination of blood smear samples and were grouped into the malaria-positive and malaria-negative groups. Both groups were followed up beginning at the first antenatal visit (March 2022) until delivery (December 2022) and various data, including demographic, parity, gravidity, socioeconomic, maternal and fetal outcomes were collected. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 27. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used for bivariate and relative risk analyses at a p-value of ≤0.05 (95%) confidence level. Most of the participants were aged 18-25 years, were primigravidas and married, had secondary school-level education, earned 20-30 thousand Kenya shillings, resided in rural areas, and were in the second trimester. There were 6 (4.6%) cases of low birth weight, 3 (4.5%) in the malaria-negative group and 3 (4.7%) in the malaria-positive group. During pregnancy, 41 (31.5%) were anaemic, 5 (3.8%) were HIV-positive, 5 (3.8%) had preeclampsia, and 2 (1.5%) had gestational diabetes. Our analyses show that confounding factors like anaemia, HIV, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes did not influence birthweight (p ≥ 0.923). The malaria-positive and malaria-negative groups did not differ significantly with regard to the low birth weight (relative risk: 0.999, 95% confidence interval: 0.926-1.077). Marital status, gestational age, and area of residence were associated with malaria p ≤ 0.001, ≤ 0.001 and 0.028 respectively. In both groups, 124 of the 140 deliveries had normal birth weights and of these 63 (95.4%, n = 70) were in the malaria-negative group, whereas 61 (95.3%, n = 70) belonged to the malaria-positive group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mukala
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya.
| | - Dominic Mogere
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
| | - Peter Kirira
- School of Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | | | - Francis Kobia
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Harrison Waweru
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Jesse Gitaka
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
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Mitrogiannis I, Evangelou E, Efthymiou A, Kanavos T, Birbas E, Makrydimas G, Papatheodorou S. Risk factors for preterm birth: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies. BMC Med 2023; 21:494. [PMID: 38093369 PMCID: PMC10720103 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 gestational weeks is a leading cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies on risk factors associated with PTB, evaluate whether there are indications of biases in this literature, and identify which of the previously reported associations are supported by robust evidence. METHODS We searched PubMed and Scopus until February 2021, in order to identify meta-analyses examining associations between risk factors and PTB. For each meta-analysis, we estimated the summary effect size, the 95% confidence interval, the 95% prediction interval, the between-study heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects, and evidence of excess-significance bias. Evidence was graded as robust, highly suggestive, suggestive, and weak. RESULTS Eighty-five eligible meta-analyses were identified, which included 1480 primary studies providing data on 166 associations, covering a wide range of comorbid diseases, obstetric and medical history, drugs, exposure to environmental agents, infections, and vaccines. Ninety-nine (59.3%) associations were significant at P < 0.05, while 41 (24.7%) were significant at P < 10-6. Ninety-one (54.8%) associations had large or very large heterogeneity. Evidence for small-study effects and excess significance bias was found in 37 (22.3%) and 12 (7.2%) associations, respectively. We evaluated all associations according to prespecified criteria. Seven risk factors provided robust evidence: amphetamine exposure, isolated single umbilical artery, maternal personality disorder, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), prior induced termination of pregnancy with vacuum aspiration (I-TOP with VA), low gestational weight gain (GWG), and interpregnancy interval (IPI) following miscarriage < 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The results from the synthesis of observational studies suggest that seven risk factors for PTB are supported by robust evidence. Routine screening for sleep quality and mental health is currently lacking from prenatal visits and should be introduced. This assessment can promote the development and training of prediction models using robust risk factors that could improve risk stratification and guide cost-effective preventive strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021227296.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mitrogiannis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Hospital of Arta, 47100, Arta, Greece
| | - Evangelos Evangelou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina Medical School, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athina Efthymiou
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College London, London, SE5 8BB, UK
- Department of Women and Children Health, NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's and St Thomas, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | | | - George Makrydimas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefania Papatheodorou
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Anabire NG, Aculley B, Pobee A, Kyei-Baafour E, Awandare GA, Del Pilar Quintana M, Hviid L, Ofori MF. High burden of asymptomatic malaria and anaemia despite high adherence to malaria control measures: a cross-sectional study among pregnant women across two seasons in a malaria-endemic setting in Ghana. Infection 2023; 51:1717-1729. [PMID: 37300587 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anaemia remains a serious concern among pregnant women, and thus, it is closely monitored from the onset of pregnancy through to delivery to help prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In malaria-endemic settings, continuous low-level carriage of P. falciparum parasites is common and its contribution to maternal anaemia should not be underestimated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of adherence to malaria control measures [number of antenatal clinics (ANC) attended, supervised intake of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP), and use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs)] on asymptomatic malaria and anaemia outcomes among pregnant women on ANC in hospitals in the Central region of Ghana. METHODS The study was conducted during two seasons; October-November 2020 (dry season, n = 124) and May-June 2021 (rainy season, n = 145). Among the women, there was a high adherence to the control measures for both seasons (ANC ≥ 3 visits; ~ 82.0%, intake of SP; ~ 80.0% and ITNs use; ~ 75.0%). RESULTS Asymptomatic P. falciparum carriage was high for both seasons (44.4% for the dry season; 46.9% for the rainy season). Correspondingly, the occurrence of anaemia was high for both seasons (57.3% for the dry season; 68.3% for the rainy season) and was strongly predicted by carriage of P. falciparum parasites. Despite the high adherence to ANC protocols, asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was common and contributed to the high burden of maternal anaemia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the need for improved control measures that can clear asymptomatic/sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection and protect against malaria-induced anaemia among pregnant women attending ANC in malaria endemic-settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nsoh Godwin Anabire
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Belinda Aculley
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Pobee
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Kyei-Baafour
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Maria Del Pilar Quintana
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael F Ofori
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Osoro CB, Dellicour S, Ochodo E, Young T, Ter Kuile FO, Gutman JR, Hill J. Perceptions and drivers of healthcare provider and drug dispenser practices for the treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the context of multiple first-line therapies in western Kenya: a qualitative study. Malar J 2023; 22:274. [PMID: 37710229 PMCID: PMC10503024 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04698-w] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemether-lumefantrine in Africa prompted the pilot introduction of multiple first-line therapies (MFT) against malaria in Kenya, potentially exposing women-of-childbearing-age (WOCBAs) to anti-malarials with unknown safety profiles in the first trimester. This qualitative study explored knowledge and perceptions among healthcare providers providing malaria treatment to WOCBAs and pregnant women. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected public and private health facility (HF) and drug outlet (DO) providers within and outside the pilot-MFT area. County health managers were interviewed about their knowledge of the national treatment guidelines. Transcripts were coded by content analysis using the World Health Organization health system building blocks (leadership/governance, financing, health workforce, health information systems, access to medicines, and service delivery). RESULTS Thirty providers (HF:21, DO:9) and three health managers were interviewed. Eighteen providers were from HFs in the pilot-MFT area; the remaining three and all nine DOs were outside the pilot-MFT area. The analysis revealed that providers had not been trained in malaria case management in the previous twelve months. DO providers were unfamiliar with national treatment guidelines in pregnancy and reported having no pregnancy tests. Health managers were unable to supervise DOs due to resource limitations. Providers from HFs and DOs noted poor sensitivity of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and hesitancy among patients who associated malaria-RDTs with HIV testing. Almost all providers reported anti-malarial stock-outs, with quinine most affected. Patient preference was a major factor in prescribing anti-malarials. Providers in HFs and DOs reported preferentially using artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester due to the side effects and unavailability of quinine. CONCLUSION Knowledge of malaria case management in drug outlets and health facilities remains poor. Improved regulation of DO providers is warranted. Optimizing treatment of malaria in pregnancy requires training, availability of malaria commodities, and pregnancy tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Osoro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eleanor Ochodo
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Taryn Young
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Lourenço BH, Neves PAR, Cardoso MA, Castro MC. Improved estimates of foetal growth are associated with perinatal outcomes: A latent modelling approach in a population-based birth cohort. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04070. [PMID: 37694574 PMCID: PMC10494278 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to estimate latent foetal growth conditions and explore their determinants among maternal characteristics and ultrasound biometric parameters. We additionally investigated the influence of foetal growth conditions on perinatal variables. Methods We used data from live-born singletons in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre, Brazil (MINA-Brazil Study) population-based birth cohort. Maternal and perinatal characteristics were assessed in medical records from the maternity hospital and interviews with participants from July 2015 to June 2016. A sub-sample went through ultrasound examinations during the antenatal period, with assessment of foetal head and abdominal circumferences, and femur length. We estimated latent foetal growth conditions with a structural equation modelling framework, informed by the child's birth weight z-scores (BWZ) and birth length z-scores (BLZ) according to gestational age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of perinatal events were estimated according to linear predictions of the latent variable. Results We included 1253 participants. Latent foetal growth conditions explained 88.3% of BWZ and 53.7% of BLZ variation. Maternal elevated blood pressure, primiparity, smoking, malaria, and insufficient gestational weight gain negatively impacted foetal growth conditions. In the subsample (n = 499), ultrasound biometric parameters assessed at 28 weeks were positively associated with the latent variable, with the largest contribution from foetal abdominal circumference. Each standardised unit of predicted foetal growth conditions halved the chance for preterm birth (95% CI = 0.26, 0.74) and longer hospital stay (>3 days) (95% CI = 0.28, 0.88). Conversely, BWZ and BLZ were not independently associated with these perinatal variables in separate logistic regression models. Conclusions Latent foetal growth conditions jointly encompassing weight gain and linear growth during gestation were negatively influenced by a scenario of dual burden of maternal morbidities, with perinatal implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara H Lourenço
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paulo AR Neves
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marly A Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia C Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - MINA-Brazil Study GroupMatijasevichAliciaLourençoBárbara HatzlhofferMaltaMaíra BarretoFerreiraMarcelo UrbanoCardosoMarly AugustoNevesPaulo Augusto RibeiroDamascenoAna AlicePereira da SilvaBrunode SouzaRodrigo MedeirosLadeia-AndradeSimoneCastroMarcia C
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Muthiani Y, Hunter PJ, Näsänen-Gilmore PK, Koivu AM, Isojärvi J, Luoma J, Salenius M, Hadji M, Ashorn U, Ashorn P. Antenatal interventions to reduce risk of low birth weight related to maternal infections during pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117 Suppl 2:S118-S133. [PMID: 37331759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal infections during pregnancy have been linked to increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), and stillbirth (SB). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article was to summarize evidence from published literature on the effect of key interventions targeting maternal infections on adverse birth outcomes. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL Complete between March 2020 and May 2020 with an update to cover until August 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and reviews of RCTs of 15 antenatal interventions for pregnant women reporting LBW, PTB, SGA, or SB as outcomes. RESULTS Of the 15 reviewed interventions, the administration of 3 or more doses of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine [IPTp-SP; RR: 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.94)] can reduce risk of LBW compared with 2 doses. The provision of insecticide-treated bed nets, periodontal treatment, and screening and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria may reduce risk of LBW. Maternal viral influenza vaccination, treatment of bacterial vaginosis, intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared with IPTp-SP, and intermittent screening and treatment of malaria during pregnancy compared with IPTp were deemed unlikely to reduce the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS At present, there is limited evidence from RCTs available for some potentially relevant interventions targeting maternal infections, which could be prioritized for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Muthiani
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Patricia J Hunter
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Pieta K Näsänen-Gilmore
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annariina M Koivu
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jaana Isojärvi
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juho Luoma
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Meeri Salenius
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maryam Hadji
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Ashorn P, Ashorn U, Muthiani Y, Aboubaker S, Askari S, Bahl R, Black RE, Dalmiya N, Duggan CP, Hofmeyr GJ, Kennedy SH, Klein N, Lawn JE, Shiffman J, Simon J, Temmerman M. Small vulnerable newborns-big potential for impact. Lancet 2023; 401:1692-1706. [PMID: 37167991 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite major achievements in child survival, the burden of neonatal mortality has remained high and even increased in some countries since 1990. Currently, most neonatal deaths are attributable to being born preterm, small for gestational age (SGA), or with low birthweight (LBW). Besides neonatal mortality, these conditions are associated with stillbirth and multiple morbidities, with short-term and long-term adverse consequences for the newborn, their families, and society, resulting in a major loss of human capital. Prevention of preterm birth, SGA, and LBW is thus critical for global child health and broader societal development. Progress has, however, been slow, largely because of the global community's failure to agree on the definition and magnitude of newborn vulnerability and best ways to address it, to frame the problem attractively, and to build a broad coalition of actors and a suitable governance structure to implement a change. We propose a new definition and a conceptual framework, bringing preterm birth, SGA, and LBW together under a broader umbrella term of the small vulnerable newborn (SVN). Adoption of the framework and the unified definition can facilitate improved problem definition and improved programming for SVN prevention. Interventions aiming at SVN prevention would result in a healthier start for live-born infants, while also reducing the number of stillbirths, improving maternal health, and contributing to a positive economic and social development in the society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Yvonne Muthiani
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Rajiv Bahl
- Indian Council for Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Robert E Black
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nita Dalmiya
- United Nations Children's Fund, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Center for Nutrition, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G Justus Hofmeyr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
| | - Stephen H Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel Klein
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Shiffman
- Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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10
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Ademola SA, Bamikole OJ, Amodu OK. Is TNF alpha a mediator in the co-existence of malaria and type 2 diabetes in a malaria endemic population? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1028303. [PMID: 37215099 PMCID: PMC10196125 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1028303] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a disease of public health importance globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria deaths reduced globally steadily between 2000-2019, however there was a 10% increase in 2020 due to disruptions in medical service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, about 96% of malaria deaths occurred in 29 countries; out of which, four countries (Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Niger, and the United Republic of Tanzania) accounted for just over half of the malaria deaths. Nigeria leads the four countries with the highest malaria deaths (accounting for 31% globally). Parallelly, sub-Saharan Africa is faced with a rise in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Until recently, T2D was a disease of adulthood and old age. However, this is changing as T2D in children and adolescents is becoming an increasingly important public health problem. Nigeria has been reported to have the highest burden of diabetes in Africa with a prevalence of 5.77% in the country. Several studies conducted in the last decade investigating the interaction between malaria and T2D in developing countries have led to the emergence of the intra-uterine hypothesis. The hypothesis has arisen as a possible explanation for the rise of T2D in malaria endemic areas; malaria in pregnancy could lead to intra-uterine stress which could contribute to low birth weight and may be a potential cause of T2D later in life. Hence, previous, and continuous exposure to malaria infection leads to a higher risk of T2D. Current and emerging evidence suggests that an inflammation-mediated link exists between malaria and eventual T2D emergence. The inflammatory process thus, is an important link for the co-existence of malaria and T2D because these two diseases are inflammatory-related. A key feature of T2D is systemic inflammation, characterized by the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) which leads to impaired insulin signaling. Malaria infection is an inflammatory disease in which TNF-α also plays a major role. TNF-α plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of malaria and T2D. We therefore hypothesize that TNF-α is an important link in the increasing co-existence of T2D.
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11
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Baharav Y, Nichols L, Wahal A, Gow O, Shickman K, Edwards M, Huffling K. The Impact of Extreme Heat Exposure on Pregnant People and Neonates: A State of the Science Review. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:324-332. [PMID: 37218676 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between heat exposure and perinatal morbidity and mortality is of increasing concern as global temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent and intense. Heat exposure can lead to a multitude of harmful outcomes for pregnant individuals and neonates, including hospitalization and death. This state of the science review explored the evidence on the associations between heat exposure and negative health outcomes during pregnancy and the neonatal period. Findings suggest that improving health care provider and patient awareness of heat-related risks and implementing specific interventions could mitigate adverse outcomes. Furthermore, public health and other policy interventions are needed to increase thermal comfort and reduce societal exposure to extreme heat and related risks. Early warning systems, medical alerts, provider and patient education, and increased access to health care and thermal comfort may improve pregnancy and early life health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Baharav
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lilly Nichols
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anya Wahal
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Owen Gow
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kurt Shickman
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Maya Edwards
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Katie Huffling
- Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Mount Rainier, Maryland
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12
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Lingani M, Zango SH, Valéa I, Samadoulougou S, Somé G, Sanou M, Kaboré B, Rouamba T, Sorgho H, Tahita MC, Derra K, Dramaix M, Tinto H, Donnen P, Robert A. Effects of maternal antenatal treatment with two doses of azithromycin added to monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the prevention of low birth weight in Burkina Faso: an open-label randomized controlled trial. Malar J 2023; 22:101. [PMID: 36932435 PMCID: PMC10024378 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04530-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure during pregnancy to malaria and sexually-transmitted infections is associated with adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight (LBW). This study aimed at assessing if the adjunction of two doses of azithromycin to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy can reduce LBW. METHODS A two parallel-groups, open-label randomized controlled trial involving pregnant women (16 to 35 years of age and 12 to 24 weeks of gestation as confirmed by last menstrual period or fundal height) was conducted in rural Burkina Faso. Women were assigned in a 1:1 ratio either to use azithromycin (1 g daily for 2 days) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy plus monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (1500/75 mg) (SPAZ) (intervention) or to continue using a monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (1500/75 mg) (SP) (control). Primary outcome was a LBW (birth weight measured within 24 h after birth < 2500 g). Secondary outcomes including stillbirth, preterm birth or miscarriage are reported together with safety data. RESULTS A total of 992 pregnant women underwent randomization (496 per group) and 898 (90.5%) valid birth weights were available (450 in SPAZ and 448 in SP). LBW incidence was 8.7% (39/450) in SPAZ and 9.4% (42/448) in controls (p-value = 0.79). Compared with controls, pregnant women with SPAZ showed a risk ratio (RR) of 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI 0.64-2.08]) for preterm births, 0.75 (95% CI 0.17-3.35) for miscarriage and 0.64 (95% CI 0.25-1.64) for stillbirths. No treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) have been observed, and there was no significant difference in the number of SAEs (13.5% [67/496] in SPAZ, 16.7% [83/496] in SP, p-value = 0.18) or AEs (17.1% [85/496] in SPAZ, 18.8% [93/496] in SP, p-value = 0.56). CONCLUSION Adequate prevention regimen with monthly sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine given to all pregnant women has been proved to reduce the risk of LBW in malaria endemic areas. Adding azithromycin to the regimen does not offer further benefits, as far as women receive a malaria prevention regimen early enough during pregnancy. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry ( https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx ): PACTR201808177464681. Registered 21 August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Lingani
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso.
- École de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles. CP594, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgique.
| | - Serge H Zango
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Sékou Samadoulougou
- Evaluation Platform On Obesity Prevention, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute Research Center, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Georges Somé
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Maïmouna Sanou
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Berenger Kaboré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Herman Sorgho
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Marc C Tahita
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Karim Derra
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Michèle Dramaix
- École de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles. CP594, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgique
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), BP 18, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Philippe Donnen
- École de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles. CP594, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgique
| | - Annie Robert
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Division, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels B1.30.13, Clos Chapelle-Aux-Champs 30, B-1200, Brussels, Belgique
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13
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Mitrogiannis I, Evangelou E, Efthymiou A, Kanavos T, Birbas E, Makrydimas G, Papatheodorou S. Risk factors for preterm labor: An Umbrella Review of meta-analyses of observational studies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2639005. [PMID: 36993288 PMCID: PMC10055511 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2639005/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 gestational weeks, is a leading cause of neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Understanding its multifactorial nature may improve prediction, prevention and the clinical management. We performed an umbrella review to summarize the evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies on risks factors associated with PTB, evaluate whether there are indications of biases in this literature and identify which of the previously reported associations are supported by robust evidence. We included 1511 primary studies providing data on 170 associations, covering a wide range of comorbid diseases, obstetric and medical history, drugs, exposure to environmental agents, infections and vaccines. Only seven risk factors provided robust evidence. The results from synthesis of observational studies suggests that sleep quality and mental health, risk factors with robust evidence should be routinely screened in clinical practice, should be tested in large randomized trial. Identification of risk factors with robust evidence will promote the development and training of prediction models that could improve public health, in a way that offers new perspectives in health professionals.
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14
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Herbel S, Uhel F, Sibiude J, Charlier C. [Sepsis during pregnancy: Key points in 2022]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2023; 51:134-142. [PMID: 36436821 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a severe affection, that requires an urgent and specific treatment sequence. Physiological changes occurring during pregnancy make the diagnosis of sepsis more challenging in this setting, with possible delay in treatment initiation, that in turn is responsible for poorer maternal and fetal outcome. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of maternal sepsis, as well as persistent knowledge gaps in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Herbel
- Département de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; Médecine intensive réanimation, DMU ESPRIT, hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, 92700 Colombes, France
| | - F Uhel
- Médecine intensive réanimation, DMU ESPRIT, hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, 92700 Colombes, France; UFR de médecine Paris Nord, université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France; Inserm U1151, Department of Immunology, Infectiology and Hematology, institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), CNRS UMR 8253, université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - J Sibiude
- UFR de médecine Paris Nord, université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France; Inserm U1151, Department of Immunology, Infectiology and Hematology, institut Necker-Enfants Malades (INEM), CNRS UMR 8253, université Paris-Cité, Paris, France; Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, 178, rue des Renouillers, 92700 Colombes, France; Inserm, IAME, UMR 1137, Paris, France.
| | - C Charlier
- Département de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; UFR de médecine Paris Nord, université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France; Biology of Infection Unit, institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, French National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center Listeria, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Inserm U1117, Paris, France.
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15
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Abdoli A. Can helminth and malaria infections affect sex ratio at birth in sub-Saharan Africa? Ideas and hypothesis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:1223-1225. [PMID: 35947958 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The sex ratio (ratio of boys to girls) at birth (SRB) is about 1.05 (about 105 males to 100 females) under normal conditions and could be an indicator for monitoring demographic changes. Generally, in comparison with female fetuses, the male fetus is biologically weaker and more vulnerable to prenatal events. SRB is influenced by various factors, such as maternal malnourishment. Remarkably, maternal malnourishment and less energy intake are pivotal factors for declining SRB in humans. As estimates, the SRB is below the normal range in sub-Saharan Africa (1.03) than the normal range (1.05). On the other hand, both malaria and helminth infections are hyperendemic in sub-Saharan Africa and both diseases are associated with maternal malnourishment. Hence, an important question arises, could declining SRB in sub-Saharan Africa be influenced by malaria and helminth infections? Cumulative evidence suggests that malaria and helminth infections could influence SRB by induction of maternal malnourishment. This hypothesis provides new ideas about the variation of SRB in some regions of the world where helminths and malaria are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 74148-46199, Jahrom, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 74148-46199, Jahrom, Iran
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Saadeh K, Nantha Kumar N, Fazmin IT, Edling CE, Jeevaratnam K. Anti-malarial drugs: Mechanisms underlying their proarrhythmic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:5237-5258. [PMID: 36165125 PMCID: PMC9828855 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains the leading cause of parasitic death in the world. Artemisinin resistance is an emerging threat indicating an imminent need for novel combination therapy. Given the key role of mass drug administration, it is pivotal that the safety of anti-malarial drugs is investigated thoroughly prior to widespread use. Cardiotoxicity, most prominently arrhythmic risk, has been a concern for anti-malarial drugs. We clarify the likely underlying mechanisms by which anti-malarial drugs predispose to arrhythmias. These relate to disruption of (1) action potential upstroke due to effects on the sodium currents, (2) action potential repolarisation due to effects on the potassium currents, (3) cellular calcium homeostasis, (4) mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species production and (5) cardiac fibrosis. Together, these alterations promote arrhythmic triggers and substrates. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to assess the safety of these drugs, stratify patients based on arrhythmic risk and guide future anti-malarial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK,School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's HospitalUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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Nyadanu SD, Dunne J, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Kumi-Boateng B, Lee Bell M, Duko B, Pereira G. Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes: An umbrella review of 36 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119465. [PMID: 35569625 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses linked prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants to adverse birth outcomes with mixed findings, including results indicating positive, negative, and null associations across the pregnancy periods. The objective of this study was to systematically summarise systematic reviews and meta-analyses on air pollutants and birth outcomes to assess the overall epidemiological evidence. Systematic reviews with/without meta-analyses on the association between air pollutants (NO2, CO, O3, SO2, PM2.5, and PM10) and birth outcomes (preterm birth; stillbirth; spontaneous abortion; birth weight; low birth weight, LBW; small-for-gestational-age) up to March 30, 2022 were included. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection, systematic reviews repositories, grey literature databases, internet search engines, and references of included studies. The consistency in the directions of the effect estimates was classified as more consistent positive or negative, less consistent positive or negative, unclear, and consistently null. Next, the confidence in the direction was rated as either convincing, probable, limited-suggestive, or limited non-conclusive evidence. Final synthesis included 36 systematic reviews (21 with and 15 without meta-analyses) that contained 295 distinct primary studies. PM2.5 showed more consistent positive associations than other pollutants. The positive exposure-outcome associations based on the entire pregnancy period were more consistent than trimester-specific exposure averages. For whole pregnancy exposure, a more consistent positive association was found for PM2.5 and birth weight reductions, particulate matter and spontaneous abortion, and SO2 and LBW. Other exposure-outcome associations mostly showed less consistent positive associations and few unclear directions of associations. Almost all associations showed probable evidence. The available evidence indicates plausible causal effects of criteria air pollutants on birth outcomes. To strengthen the evidence, more high-quality studies are required, particularly from understudied settings, such as low-and-middle-income countries. However, the current evidence may warrant the adoption of the precautionary principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, P. O. Box 424, Aflao, Ghana.
| | - Jennifer Dunne
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Gizachew Assefa Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Bernard Kumi-Boateng
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, Ghana
| | - Michelle Lee Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Bereket Duko
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia; Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0473, Oslo, Norway; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
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Frequency of gestational malaria and maternal-neonatal outcomes, in Northwestern Colombia 2009-2020. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10944. [PMID: 35768619 PMCID: PMC9243123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15011-1] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on Gestational Malaria (GM) is scarce in America's. In the few available studies in Colombia, the analysis of immunological or parasitological aspects predominates, with few analyzes of epidemiological aspects. The objectives were to determine the frequency of GM and submicroscopic infections (positive with PCR and negative with thick blood smears), to identify obstetric and malaria history associated with GM, and to describe maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with GM, in northwestern Colombia. A retrospective study with records of 825 pregnant women was conducted. qPCR and thick blood smear were performed. Frequencies were determined with 95% confidence intervals. Comparisons were made with the Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and prevalence ratios adjusted in a log-binomial model. The frequency of GM was 35.8% (95% CI 32.4–39.1) of submicroscopic infection was 16.2% (95% CI 13.7–18.8). According to the multivariable model, the subgroups with the highest frequency of GM were pregnant women without healthcare coverage (32.3%), in the third trimester of pregnancy (30.5%), nulliparous (35.6%), and with a previous diagnosis of malaria in the current pregnancy (64.0%). GM was associated with more frequency of gestational anemia, infection in neonates, and lower birth weight. The results indicate in a precise and direct way that malaria control in this northwestern region of Colombia is far from adequate, which is even more serious considering the affectations for the mother and the neonate.
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Kamau A, Musau M, Mwakio S, Amadi D, Nyaguara A, Bejon P, Seale AC, Berkley JA, Snow RW. Impact of Intermittent Presumptive Treatment for Malaria in Pregnancy on Hospital Birth Outcomes on the Kenyan Coast. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 76:e875-e883. [PMID: 35731850 PMCID: PMC9907553 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac509] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) for pregnant women with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is widely implemented for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. The efficacy of SP is declining, and there are concerns that IPTp may have reduced impact in areas of high resistance. We sought to determine the protection afforded by SP as part of IPTp against adverse birth outcomes in an area with high levels of SP resistance on the Kenyan coast. METHODS A secondary analysis of surveillance data on deliveries at the Kilifi County Hospital between 2015 and 2021 was undertaken in an area of low malaria transmission and high parasite mutations associated with SP resistance. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to estimate the effect of SP doses on the risk of low birthweight (LBW) deliveries and stillbirths. RESULTS Among 27 786 deliveries, 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP were associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], .64-.83; P < .001) compared with no dose. A dose-response association was observed with increasing doses of SP from the second trimester linked to increasing protection against LBW deliveries. Three or more doses of IPTp-SP were also associated with a 21% reduction in stillbirth deliveries (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, .65-.97; P = .044) compared with women who did not take any dose of IPTp-SP. CONCLUSIONS The continued significant association of SP on LBW deliveries suggests that the intervention may have a non-malaria impact on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kamau
- Correspondence: A. Kamau, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, PO Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ()
| | - Moses Musau
- Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stella Mwakio
- Epidemiology and Demography, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - David Amadi
- Epidemiology and Demography, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Amek Nyaguara
- Epidemiology and Demography, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- Epidemiology and Demography, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna C Seale
- Epidemiology and Demography, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya,Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - James A Berkley
- Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya,Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Clark RL. Safety of Treating Malaria with Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy in the First Trimester of Pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:204-210. [PMID: 35667524 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There have been recent calls for the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nevertheless, the 2021 WHO Guidelines for Malaria reaffirmed their position that there is not adequate clinical safety data on artemisinins to support that usage. The WHO's position is consistent with several issues with the existing clinical data. First, first trimester safety results from multiple ACTs were lumped in a meta-analysis which does not demonstrate that each of the included ACTs is equally safe. Second, safety results from all periods of the first trimester were lumped in the meta-analysis which does not demonstrate the same level of safety for all subperiods, particularly gestational Weeks 6 to 8 which is likely to be the most sensitive period. Third, even if there is evidence of a lack of an effect on miscarriage for a particular ACT, it does not follow then there are no developmental effects for any ACT. In monkeys, artesunate caused marked embryonal anemia leading to embryo death but the long-term consequences of lower levels of embryonal anemia are not known. Fourth, there have been advances in the sensitivity and usage of rapid diagnostic tests that will lead to diagnoses of malaria earlier in gestation which is less well studied and more likely sensitive to artemisinins. Any clinical studies of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester need to evaluate the results of treatment with individual ACTs during different 1- to 2-week periods of the first trimester.
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21
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Grunnet LG, Bygbjerg IC, Mutabingwa TK, Lajeunesse-Trempe F, Nielsen J, Schmiegelow C, Vaag AA, Ramaiya K, Christensen DL. Influence of placental and peripheral malaria exposure in fetal life on cardiometabolic traits in adult offspring. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2022; 10:10/2/e002639. [PMID: 35379692 PMCID: PMC8981354 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal malaria exposure may lead to intrauterine growth restriction and increase the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. We investigated the extent to which fetal peripheral and placental malaria exposure impacts insulin sensitivity and secretion, body composition and cardiometabolic health 20 years after in utero malaria exposure. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We traced 101 men and women in Muheza district, Tanga region whose mothers participated in a malaria chemosuppression during a pregnancy study in 1989-1992. All potential participants were screened for malaria, hepatitis B and HIV to ascertain study eligibility. Seventy-six individuals (44 men, 32 women) were included in this cohort study. The participants underwent a thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measurements, ultrasound scanning for abdominal fat distribution, blood pressure, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, an intravenous glucose tolerance test followed by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and a submaximal exercise test. RESULTS Offspring exposed to placental malaria during pregnancy had significantly higher 30-minute plasma post-glucose load levels, but no significant difference in peripheral insulin resistance, insulin secretion or other cardiometabolic traits compared with non-exposed individuals. CONCLUSIONS Using the state-of-the-art euglycemic clamp technique, we were unable to prove our a priori primary hypothesis of peripheral insulin resistance in young adult offspring of pregnancies affected by malaria. However, the subtle elevations of plasma glucose might represent an early risk marker for later development of type 2 diabetes if combined with aging and a more obesogenic living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise G Grunnet
- Clinical Prevention Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Ib C Bygbjerg
- Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Theonest K Mutabingwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Jannie Nielsen
- Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Hubert Department of Gobal Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan A Vaag
- Clinical Prevention Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
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22
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Odhiambo JN, Sartorius B. Joint spatio-temporal modelling of adverse pregnancy outcomes sharing common risk factors at sub-county level in Kenya, 2016-2019. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2331. [PMID: 34969386 PMCID: PMC8719408 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12210-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse pregnancy outcomes jointly account for a high proportion of mortality and morbidity among pregnant women and their infants. Furthermore, the burden attributed to adverse pregnancy outcomes remains high and inadequately characterised due to the intricate interplay of its etiology and shared set of important risk factors. This study sought to quantify and map the underlying risk of multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes in Kenya at sub-county level using a shared component space-time modelling framework. Methods Reported sub-county level adverse pregnancy outcomes count from January 2016 – December 2019 were obtained from the Kenyan District Health Information System. A Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model was used to estimate the joint burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes in space (sub-county) and time (year). To improve the precision of our estimates over time and space, information across the outcomes were combined via the shared and the outcome-specific components using a shared component model with spatio-temporal interactions. Results Overall, the total number of adverse outcomes in pregnancy increased by 14.2% (95% UI: 14.0–14.5) from 88,816 cases in 2016 to 101,455 cases in 2019. Between 2016 and 2019, the estimated low birth weight rate and the pre-term birth rate were 4.5 (95% UI: 4.4–4.7) and 2.3 (95% UI: 2.2–2.5) per 100 live births. The stillbirth and neonatal death rates were estimated to be 18.7 (95% UI: 18.0–19.4) and 6.9 (95% UI: 6.4–7.4) per 1000 live births. The magnitude of the spatio-temporal variation attributed to shared risk was high for pre-term births, low birth weight, neonatal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths, respectively. The shared risk patterns were dominant in sub-counties located along the Indian ocean coastline, central and western Kenya. Conclusions This study demonstrates the usefulness of a Bayesian joint spatio-temporal shared component model in exploiting specific and shared risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes sub-nationally. By identifying sub-counties with elevated risks and data gaps, our estimates not only assert the need for bolstering maternal health programs in the identified high-risk sub-counties but also provides a baseline against which to assess the progress towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12210-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Nyerere Odhiambo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa. .,Department of Management Science and Technology, The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Ignite Lab, Global Research Institute, William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA.
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Howard College Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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23
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Rouamba T, Samadoulougou S, Ouédraogo M, Hien H, Tinto H, Kirakoya-Samadoulougou F. Asymptomatic malaria and anaemia among pregnant women during high and low malaria transmission seasons in Burkina Faso: household-based cross-sectional surveys in Burkina Faso, 2013 and 2017. Malar J 2021; 20:211. [PMID: 33933072 PMCID: PMC8088076 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in endemic countries is often asymptomatic during pregnancy, but it has substantial consequences for both the mother and her unborn baby. During pregnancy, anaemia is an important consequence of malaria infection. In Burkina Faso, the intensity of malaria varies according to the season, albeit the prevalence of malaria and anaemia as well as their risk factors, during high and low malaria transmission seasons is underexplored at the household level. Methods Data of 1751 pregnant women from October 2013 to March 2014 and 1931 pregnant women from April 2017 to June 2017 were drawn from two cross-sectional household surveys conducted in 24 health districts of Burkina Faso. Pregnant women were tested for malaria in their household after consenting. Asymptomatic carriage was defined as a positive result from malaria rapid diagnostic tests in the absence of clinical symptoms of malaria. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level less than 11 g/dL in the first and third trimester and less than 10.5 g/dL in the second trimester of pregnancy. Results Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy was estimated at 23.9% (95% CI 20.2–28.0) during the high transmission season (October–November) in 2013. During the low transmission season, it was 12.7% (95% CI 10.9–14.7) between December and March in 2013–2014 and halved (6.4%; 95% CI 5.3–7.6) between April and June 2017. Anaemia prevalence was estimated at 59.4% (95% CI 54.8–63.8) during the high transmission season in 2013. During the low transmission season, it was 50.6% (95% CI 47.7–53.4) between December and March 2013–2014 and 65.0% (95% CI 62.8–67.2) between April and June, 2017. Conclusion This study revealed that the prevalence of malaria asymptomatic carriage and anaemia among pregnant women at the community level remain high throughout the year. Thus, more efforts are needed to increase prevention measures such as IPTp–SP coverage in order to reduce anaemia and contribute to preventing low birth weight and poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique Et Technologique, 42, Avenue Kumda-Yoore, BP 218 Ouagadougou CMS 11, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. .,Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie, Biostatistique Et Recherche Clinique, Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Sékou Samadoulougou
- Evaluation Platform On Obesity Prevention, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec, G1V 4G5, Canada.,Centre for Research On Planning and Development (CRAD), Laval University, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mady Ouédraogo
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie, Biostatistique Et Recherche Clinique, Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.,Institut National de La Statistique Et de La Démographie [INSD], 01 BP 374, Ouagadougou 01, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Hervé Hien
- Intitut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique Et Technologique, 42, Avenue Kumda-Yoore, BP 218 Ouagadougou CMS 11, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique Et Technologique, 42, Avenue Kumda-Yoore, BP 218 Ouagadougou CMS 11, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie, Biostatistique Et Recherche Clinique, Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
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24
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Mlugu EM, Minzi O, Kamuhabwa AAR, Aklillu E. Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment With Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaqunine Against Malaria in Pregnancy in Tanzania: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 110:1478-1489. [PMID: 33891721 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) to prevent malaria and adverse birth outcomes is threatened by Plasmodium falciparum resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. We investigated the effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (IPTp-DHP) as an alternative option to IPTp-SP. A total of 956 malaria-free (malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT) negative) pregnant women from moderate malaria transmission areas in Tanzania were enrolled and randomized to receive monthly IPTp-DHP (n = 478) or IPTp-SP (n = 478) and followed for maternal and birth outcomes. The primary outcome was the prevalence of histopathologically confirmed placental malaria (active or past infection). Secondary outcomes were overall malaria at delivery, symptomatic-malaria, parasitemia during pregnancy, and adverse birth outcomes as a composite of spontaneous-abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight (LBW) fetal anemia. Outcome differences between treatment groups were expressed as the protective efficacy (PE), defined as 1-prevalence ratios or 1-incidence rate ratio. The prevalence of histopathologically confirmed placental malaria was significantly lower in IPTp-DHP (2.5%, 12/478) than IPTp-SP (8.2%, 39/478); PE = 69% (95% confidence interval (CI): 42-84, P < 0.001). The prevalence of maternal malaria at delivery was significantly lower in IPTp-DHP (8.2%) than IPTp-SP (18.2%, P < 0.001). The incidence per person-years at risk for symptomatic-malaria (0.02 vs. 0.12, P = 0.002) and parasitemia during pregnancy (0.28 vs. 0.67, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the IPTp-DHP group than in the IPTp-SP group. The prevalence of any adverse birth outcomes (composite) was not significantly (P = 0.06) different between IPTp-DHP (17.9%) and IPTp-SP (23.8%). However, the prevalence of LBW (4.6% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.003) was significantly lower in IPTp-DHP compared with IPTp-SP. We report superior protective efficacy of monthly IPTp-DHP against malaria in pregnancy and LBW than IPTp-SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulambius M Mlugu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omary Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary A R Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Bovbjerg ML, Pillai S. Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, May 2021. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2021; 50:352-362. [PMID: 33865844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of the prenatal prediction of fetal macrosomia and commentaries on reviews focused on the effects of date palm and dill seed on labor outcomes and the current research available on SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy outcomes.
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26
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Kwizera A, Ntasumumuyange D, Small M, Rulisa S, Moscovitz AN, Magriples U. Assessment of perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe versus simple malaria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247053. [PMID: 33606775 PMCID: PMC7894943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective was to compare outcomes of simple and severe malaria and to determine whether they vary by trimester or severity of infection. Methods Prospective cohort study performed in 3 hospitals in Rwanda. Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized pregnant patients with confirmed malaria were enrolled and followed until 7 days postpartum. Demographic, clinical manifestations and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Results There were 446 pregnant women with confirmed malaria and outcome data; 361 (80.9%) had simple malaria. Severe malaria was more common as pregnancy progressed; out of 85 with severe malaria, 12.9%, 29.4% and 57.6% were in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters (p<0.0001). Overall, a normal term delivery occurred in 57.6%, with preterm delivery in 24.9% and abortion in 13.5%. Adverse perinatal outcomes increased with trimester of infection (p<0.0001). Eight of the 9 early neonatal deaths had 3rd trimester infection (p<0.0001). There were 27 stillbirths; 63.7% were associated with 3rd trimester infection. A significant difference in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria was seen: 64% of women with simple malaria had a normal term delivery as compared to 30.6% with severe malaria (p<0.0001). All complications were significantly greater with severe malaria. Conclusion Overall poor outcomes are seen in malaria with significant differences in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria and by trimester of infection. In addition to vector control and exposure prevention, efforts need to be made in screening, treatment education and monitoring pregnancies affected by malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Kwizera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences/University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Diomede Ntasumumuyange
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences/University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Maria Small
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences/University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stephen Rulisa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences/University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Alexandra N. Moscovitz
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Urania Magriples
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences/University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Clark RL. Teratogen update: Malaria in pregnancy and the use of antimalarial drugs in the first trimester. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1403-1449. [PMID: 33079495 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a particular problem in pregnancy because of enhanced sensitivity, the possibility of placental malaria, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Artemisinin-containing combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective antimalarials known. WHO recommends 7-day quinine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the first trimester despite the superior tolerability and efficacy of 3-day ACT regimens because artemisinins caused embryolethality and/or cardiovascular malformations at relatively low doses in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The developmental toxicity of artesunate, artemether, and DHA were similar in rats but artesunate was embryotoxic at lower doses in rabbits (5 mg/kg/day) than artemether (no effect level = 25 mg/kg/day). In clinical studies in Africa, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester was observed to be highly efficacious and the miscarriage rate (≤3.1%) was similar to no antimalarial treatment (2.6%). When data from the first-trimester use of largely artesunate-based therapies in Thailand were pooled together, there was no difference in miscarriage rate compared to quinine. However, individually, artesunate-mefloquine was associated with a higher miscarriage rate (15/71 = 21%) compared to other artemisinin-based therapies including 7-day artesunate + clindamycin (2/50 = 4%) and quinine (92/842 = 11%). Thus, appropriate statistical comparisons of individual ACT groups are needed prior to assuming that they all have the same risk for developmental toxicity. Current limitations in the assessment of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester are a lack of exposures early in gestation (gestational weeks 6-7), limited postnatal evaluation for cardiovascular malformations, and the pooling of all ACTs for the assessment of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
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28
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Saito M, Mansoor R, Kennon K, Anvikar AR, Ashley EA, Chandramohan D, Cohee LM, D'Alessandro U, Genton B, Gilder ME, Juma E, Kalilani-Phiri L, Kuepfer I, Laufer MK, Lwin KM, Meshnick SR, Mosha D, Muehlenbachs A, Mwapasa V, Mwebaza N, Nambozi M, Ndiaye JLA, Nosten F, Nyunt M, Ogutu B, Parikh S, Paw MK, Phyo AP, Pimanpanarak M, Piola P, Rijken MJ, Sriprawat K, Tagbor HK, Tarning J, Tinto H, Valéa I, Valecha N, White NJ, Wiladphaingern J, Stepniewska K, McGready R, Guérin PJ. Pregnancy outcomes and risk of placental malaria after artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in pregnancy: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. BMC Med 2020; 18:138. [PMID: 32482173 PMCID: PMC7263905 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy, including asymptomatic infection, has a detrimental impact on foetal development. Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis was conducted to compare the association between antimalarial treatments and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including placental malaria, accompanied with the gestational age at diagnosis of uncomplicated falciparum malaria infection. METHODS A systematic review and one-stage IPD meta-analysis of studies assessing the efficacy of artemisinin-based and quinine-based treatments for patent microscopic uncomplicated falciparum malaria infection (hereinafter uncomplicated falciparum malaria) in pregnancy was conducted. The risks of stillbirth (pregnancy loss at ≥ 28.0 weeks of gestation), moderate to late preterm birth (PTB, live birth between 32.0 and < 37.0 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA, birthweight of < 10th percentile), and placental malaria (defined as deposition of malaria pigment in the placenta with or without parasites) after different treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria were assessed by mixed-effects logistic regression, using artemether-lumefantrine, the most used antimalarial, as the reference standard. Registration PROSPERO: CRD42018104013. RESULTS Of the 22 eligible studies (n = 5015), IPD from16 studies were shared, representing 95.0% (n = 4765) of the women enrolled in literature. Malaria treatment in this pooled analysis mostly occurred in the second (68.4%, 3064/4501) or third trimester (31.6%, 1421/4501), with gestational age confirmed by ultrasound in 91.5% (4120/4503). Quinine (n = 184) and five commonly used artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were included: artemether-lumefantrine (n = 1087), artesunate-amodiaquine (n = 775), artesunate-mefloquine (n = 965), and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (n = 837). The overall pooled proportion of stillbirth was 1.1% (84/4361), PTB 10.0% (619/4131), SGA 32.3% (1007/3707), and placental malaria 80.1% (2543/3035), and there were no significant differences of considered outcomes by ACT. Higher parasitaemia before treatment was associated with a higher risk of SGA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14 per 10-fold increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.26, p = 0.009) and deposition of malaria pigment in the placenta (aOR 1.67 per 10-fold increase, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.96, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The risks of stillbirth, PTB, SGA, and placental malaria were not different between the commonly used ACTs. The risk of SGA was high among pregnant women infected with falciparum malaria despite treatment with highly effective drugs. Reduction of malaria-associated adverse birth outcomes requires effective prevention in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rashid Mansoor
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kalynn Kennon
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | | | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Blaise Genton
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | | | - Linda Kalilani-Phiri
- Department of Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Irene Kuepfer
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Khin Maung Lwin
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Norah Mwebaza
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Nambozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Myaing Nyunt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Sunil Parikh
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Myanmar-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Mupawjay Pimanpanarak
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | | | - Marcus J Rijken
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Woman and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kanlaya Sriprawat
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Harry K Tagbor
- School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joel Tarning
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Neena Valecha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jacher Wiladphaingern
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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