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Gavine A, Shinwell SC, Buchanan P, Farre A, Wade A, Lynn F, Marshall J, Cumming SE, Dare S, McFadden A. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 10:CD001141. [PMID: 36282618 PMCID: PMC9595242 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001141.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is extensive evidence of important health risks for infants and mothers related to not breastfeeding. In 2003, the World Health Organization recommended that infants be breastfed exclusively until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant's diet until at least two years of age. However, current breastfeeding rates in many countries do not reflect this recommendation. OBJECTIVES 1. To describe types of breastfeeding support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. 2. To examine the effectiveness of different types of breastfeeding support interventions in terms of whether they offered only breastfeeding support or breastfeeding support in combination with a wider maternal and child health intervention ('breastfeeding plus' support). 3. To examine the effectiveness of the following intervention characteristics on breastfeeding support: a. type of support (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, digital technologies, group or individual support, proactive or reactive); b. intensity of support (i.e. number of postnatal contacts); c. person delivering the intervention (e.g. healthcare professional, lay person); d. to examine whether the impact of support varied between high- and low-and middle-income countries. SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (which includes results of searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)) (11 May 2021) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing extra support for healthy breastfeeding mothers of healthy term babies with usual maternity care. Support could be provided face-to-face, over the phone or via digital technologies. All studies had to meet the trustworthiness criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and study trustworthiness. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS This updated review includes 116 trials of which 103 contribute data to the analyses. In total more than 98,816 mother-infant pairs were included. Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that 'breastfeeding only' support probably reduced the number of women stopping breastfeeding for all primary outcomes: stopping any breastfeeding at six months (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.89 to 0.97); stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93); stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97); and stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 (RR 0.83 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90). Similar findings were reported for the secondary breastfeeding outcomes except for any breastfeeding at two months and 12 months when the evidence was uncertain if 'breastfeeding only' support helped reduce the number of women stopping breastfeeding. The evidence for 'breastfeeding plus' was less consistent. For primary outcomes there was some evidence that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably reduced the number of women stopping any breastfeeding (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97, moderate-certainty evidence) or exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.90). 'Breastfeeding plus' interventions may have a beneficial effect on reducing the number of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.95). The evidence suggests that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably results in little to no difference in the number of women stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.08, moderate-certainty evidence). For the secondary outcomes, it was uncertain if 'breastfeeding plus' support helped reduce the number of women stopping any or exclusive breastfeeding at any time points. There were no consistent findings emerging from the narrative synthesis of the non-breastfeeding outcomes (maternal satisfaction with care, maternal satisfaction with feeding method, infant morbidity, and maternal mental health), except for a possible reduction of diarrhoea in intervention infants. We considered the overall risk of bias of trials included in the review was mixed. Blinding of participants and personnel is not feasible in such interventions and as studies utilised self-report breastfeeding data, there is also a risk of bias in outcome assessment. We conducted meta-regression to explore substantial heterogeneity for the primary outcomes using the following categories: person providing care; mode of delivery; intensity of support; and income status of country. It is possible that moderate levels (defined as 4-8 visits) of 'breastfeeding only' support may be associated with a more beneficial effect on exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks and six months. 'Breastfeeding only' support may also be more effective in reducing women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months compared to women in high-income countries (HICs). However, no other differential effects were found and thus heterogeneity remains largely unexplained. The meta-regression suggested that there were no differential effects regarding person providing support or mode of delivery, however, power was limited. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When 'breastfeeding only' support is offered to women, the duration and in particular, the exclusivity of breastfeeding is likely to be increased. Support may also be more effective in reducing the number of women stopping breastfeeding at three to four months compared to later time points. For 'breastfeeding plus' interventions the evidence is less certain. Support may be offered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Support can also be offered face-to-face, via telephone or digital technologies, or a combination and may be more effective when delivered on a schedule of four to eight visits. Further work is needed to identify components of the effective interventions and to deliver interventions on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gavine
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Shona C Shinwell
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Albert Farre
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Angela Wade
- Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Fiona Lynn
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Joyce Marshall
- Division of Maternal Health, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Sara E Cumming
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Shadrach Dare
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alison McFadden
- Mother and Infant Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Imdad A, Mayo-Wilson E, Haykal MR, Regan A, Sidhu J, Smith A, Bhutta ZA. Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 3:CD008524. [PMID: 35294044 PMCID: PMC8925277 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008524.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 190 million children under five years of age and leading to many adverse health consequences, including death. Based on prior evidence and a previous version of this review, the World Health Organization has continued to recommend vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children aged 6 to 59 months. The last version of this review was published in 2017, and this is an updated version of that review. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for preventing morbidity and mortality in children aged six months to five years. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases, and two trials registers up to March 2021. We also checked reference lists and contacted relevant organisations and researchers to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs evaluating the effect of synthetic VAS in children aged six months to five years living in the community. We excluded studies involving children in hospital and children with disease or infection. We also excluded studies evaluating the effects of food fortification, consumption of vitamin A rich foods, or beta-carotene supplementation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For this update, two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion resolving discrepancies by discussion. We performed meta-analyses for outcomes, including all-cause and cause-specific mortality, disease, vision, and side effects. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS The updated search identified no new RCTs. We identified 47 studies, involving approximately 1,223,856 children. Studies were set in 19 countries: 30 (63%) in Asia, 16 of these in India; 8 (17%) in Africa; 7 (15%) in Latin America, and 2 (4%) in Australia. About one-third of the studies were in urban/periurban settings, and half were in rural settings; the remaining studies did not clearly report settings. Most studies included equal numbers of girls and boys and lasted about one year. The mean age of the children was about 33 months. The included studies were at variable overall risk of bias; however, evidence for the primary outcome was at low risk of bias. A meta-analysis for all-cause mortality included 19 trials (1,202,382 children). At longest follow-up, there was a 12% observed reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality for VAS compared with control using a fixed-effect model (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.93; high-certainty evidence). Nine trials reported mortality due to diarrhoea and showed a 12% overall reduction for VAS (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98; 1,098,538 children; high-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference for VAS on mortality due to measles (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.11; 6 studies, 1,088,261 children; low-certainty evidence), respiratory disease (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.12; 9 studies, 1,098,538 children; low-certainty evidence), and meningitis. VAS reduced the incidence of diarrhoea (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.87; 15 studies, 77,946 children; low-certainty evidence), measles (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.67; 6 studies, 19,566 children; moderate-certainty evidence), Bitot's spots (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.53; 5 studies, 1,063,278 children; moderate-certainty evidence), night blindness (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.50; 2 studies, 22,972 children; moderate-certainty evidence), and VAD (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.78; 4 studies, 2262 children, moderate-certainty evidence). However, there was no evidence of a difference on incidence of respiratory disease (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.06; 11 studies, 27,540 children; low-certainty evidence) or hospitalisations due to diarrhoea or pneumonia. There was an increased risk of vomiting within the first 48 hours of VAS (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.69; 4 studies, 10,541 children; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This update identified no new eligible studies and the conclusions remain the same. VAS is associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in morbidity and mortality in children. Further placebo-controlled trials of VAS in children between six months and five years of age would not change the conclusions of this review, although studies that compare different doses and delivery mechanisms are needed. In populations with documented VAD, it would be unethical to conduct placebo-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Imdad
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Evan Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maya R Haykal
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Allison Regan
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Jasleen Sidhu
- College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Abigail Smith
- Health Sciences Library, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Lufungulo Bahati Y, Delanghe J, Bisimwa Balaluka G, Sadiki Kishabongo A, Philippé J. Asymptomatic Submicroscopic Plasmodium Infection Is Highly Prevalent and Is Associated with Anemia in Children Younger than 5 Years in South Kivu/Democratic Republic of Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1048-1055. [PMID: 32124722 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important problems in controlling malaria is the limited access to effective and accurate diagnosis of malaria parasitemia. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and the relationship with asymptomatic submicroscopic Plasmodium infection. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,088 apparently healthy children aged between 6 and 59 months selected at random in the health zone of Miti Murhesa in South Kivu/DRC. Capillary blood was obtained for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration measurement by Hemocue® Hb 301. Malaria detection was performed by microscopy and the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Anemia was defined as Hb < 11g/dL. We applied the chi-square test for comparisons, and multiple logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for anemia and submicroscopic Plasmodium infection. The prevalence of anemia was 39.6%, and the prevalence of parasitemia was 15.9% and 34.0% using microscopy and LAMP test, respectively. Submicroscopic Plasmodium infection was found in 22.3% of the children. The independent risk factors for anemia are Plasmodium infection, children younger than 24 months, low middle-upper arm circumference, and history of illness two weeks before. Otherwise, children with submicroscopic malaria infection have a significantly increased risk for anemia, with a need of transfusion. The prevalence of malaria infection was underestimated, when microscopy was used to diagnose malaria. Children with low parasitemia detected by LAMP but not by microscopy showed a significantly increased prevalence of anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Lufungulo Bahati
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joris Delanghe
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jan Philippé
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Qin S, Gu Y, Song T. Effect of peer support on patient anxiety during the coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention perioperative period: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e031952. [PMID: 32213516 PMCID: PMC7170568 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of peer support on patient anxiety during the perioperative period of coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search the following databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, Chinese BioMedical Database and Wanfang Data) from the date of database inception to January 2019. Only randomised controlled trials will be included. For the data analysis, we will use RevMan V.5.3.5 software to evaluate the risk of bias, and the heterogeneity will be investigated using the Q statistic and P index. Additionally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system will be used to assess the quality of evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethics approval will be required since this is a systematic review of published studies. We aim to report information regarding the effects of peer support on patient anxiety during the perioperative period of coronary angiography or PCI. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019123290.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Qin
- College of Nursing, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanmei Gu
- College of Nursing, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tianyu Song
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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5
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van den Elsen LWJ, Verhasselt V, Egwang T. Malaria Antigen Shedding in the Breast Milk of Mothers From a Region With Endemic Malaria. JAMA Pediatr 2020; 174:297-298. [PMID: 31904860 PMCID: PMC6990713 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the association of malaria exposure to malaria antigen in breast milk among lactating women with asymptomatic malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie Verhasselt
- The University of Western Australia School of Molecular Sciences, Perth, Australia,inVIVO Global Network, Research Group of the Worldwide Universities Network, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Egwang
- Uganda Human Milk and Lactation Center, Med Biotech Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda,Med Biotech Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda
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6
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Yakoob MY, Qadir M, Hany OE. Vitamin A Supplementation for Prevention and Treatment of Malaria during Pregnancy and Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2019; 8:20-28. [PMID: 30859783 PMCID: PMC7325808 DOI: 10.2991/j.jegh.2018.04.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that vitamin A plays a role in immunity and protection against infectious diseases. Its role reducing incidence of diarrhea and measles, and childhood mortality is known, but its role in relation to malaria is unclear. Thus, a comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of vitamin A during pregnancy and childhood for prevention and treatment of malaria. A total of 107 titles/abstracts were identified, of which 15 articles (11 studies) were selected for final inclusion. Based on the meta-analysis, vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy had no benefit for placental infection (relative risk = 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–1.25; fixed effects, I2 = 0; 2 RCTs). Similarly, there was no effect on peripheral parasitemia or episodes of new clinical malaria. Preventive vitamin A supplementation in children younger than 5 years did not reduce the incidence of peripheral parasitemia or malaria mortality (latter rate ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.07–3.26; random effects, I2 = 72%, 2 RCTs). Vitamin A as an adjunct treatment for cerebral or severe malaria in children did not have benefit on survival, fever resolution time, parasite clearance time, or incidence of neurological or other complications. Vitamin A has no benefit for malarial infection either as prevention or treatment in pregnancy or childhood based on RCT evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yawar Yakoob
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Murad Qadir
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Omm E Hany
- Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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7
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Asoba GN, Sumbele IUN, Anchang-Kimbi JK, Metuge S, Teh RN. Influence of infant feeding practices on the occurrence of malnutrition, malaria and anaemia in children ≤5 years in the Mount Cameroon area: A cross sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219386. [PMID: 31318896 PMCID: PMC6638998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different infant feeding habits on the occurrence of malnutrition, Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia and anaemia in children ≤5 years in the Mount Cameroon area. METHODOLOGY A total of 1227 children ≤5 years of age were recruited in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Socio demographic data and information on the different infant feeding habits was obtained by the use of semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by the use of anthropometric measurements. Plasmodium was detected by light microscopy and haemoglobin was measured by use of an auto-haematology analyser. Anaemia as well as its severity was classified based on WHO standards. The associations between variables were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding (EBF) was 22.6%, mixed feeding (MF) was 60.1% and those not breastfed (NBF) at all was 17.3%. The prevalence of malnutrition, P. falciparum parasitaemia and anaemia was 32.6%, 30.4% and 77.3% respectively. Children who had EBF had significantly lower (P <0.001) prevalence of malaria parasite (16.2%) than those NBF at all (61.3%). The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher (P <0.001) in children who had MF (80.5%) while, severe and moderate anaemia was highest in those NBF at all (6.6%, 67.1% respectively; P = 0.029) than their counterparts. The significant predictors of anaemia were age group (P <0.001), marital status (P <0.001) and educational level of parent (P <0.001), that for malaria parasitaemia was infant feeding habit (MF: P< 0.001 and NBF: P <0.001) and malnutrition was age group (≤2 years: P <0.008 and 2.1-4.0 years: P = 0.028). CONCLUSION The infant feeding habit significantly influenced the occurrence of malaria parasite infection and not malnutrition and anaemia, hence EBF should be encouraged in malaria endemic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Nkeudem Asoba
- Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Samuel Metuge
- Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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8
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Kesteman T, Randrianarivelojosia M, Rogier C. The protective effectiveness of control interventions for malaria prevention: a systematic review of the literature. F1000Res 2017; 6:1932. [PMID: 29259767 PMCID: PMC5721947 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.12952.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Thanks to a considerable increase in funding, malaria control interventions (MCI) whose efficacy had been demonstrated by controlled trials have been largely scaled up during the last decade. Nevertheless, it was not systematically investigated whether this efficacy had been preserved once deployed on the field. Therefore, we sought the literature to assess the disparities between efficacy and effectiveness and the effort to measure the protective effectiveness (PE) of MCI. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for references with keywords related to malaria, to control interventions for prevention and to study designs that allow for the measure of the PE against parasitemia or against clinical outcomes. Results: Our search retrieved 1423 references, and 162 articles were included in the review. Publications were scarce before the year 2000 but dramatically increased afterwards. Bed nets was the MCI most studied (82.1%). The study design most used was a cross-sectional study (65.4%). Two thirds (67.3%) were conducted at the district level or below, and the majority (56.8%) included only children even if the MCI didn’t target only children. Not all studies demonstrated a significant PE from exposure to MCI: 60.6% of studies evaluating bed nets, 50.0% of those evaluating indoor residual spraying, and 4/8 showed an added PE of using both interventions as compared with one only; this proportion was 62.5% for intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women, and 20.0% for domestic use of insecticides. Conclusions: This review identified numerous local findings of low, non-significant PE –or even the absence of a protective effect provided by these MCIs. The identification of such failures in the effectiveness of MCIs advocates for the investigation of the causes of the problem found. Ideal evaluations of the PE of MCIs should incorporate both a large representativeness and an evaluation of the PE stratified by subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kesteman
- Fondation Mérieux, Lyon, France.,Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Christophe Rogier
- Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Ecole doctorale Sciences de la vie et de l'environnement, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Institute for Biomedical Research of the French Armed Forces (IRBA), Brétigny-Sur-Orge , France.,Unité de recherche sur les maladies infectieuses et tropicales émergentes - (URMITE), Marseille, France
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9
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Imdad A, Mayo‐Wilson E, Herzer K, Bhutta ZA. Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD008524. [PMID: 28282701 PMCID: PMC6464706 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008524.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 190 million children under five years of age and leading to many adverse health consequences, including death. Based on prior evidence and a previous version of this review, the World Health Organization has continued to recommend vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6 to 59 months. There are new data available from recently published randomised trials since the previous publication of this review in 2010, and this update incorporates this information and reviews the evidence. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for preventing morbidity and mortality in children aged six months to five years. SEARCH METHODS In March 2016 we searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases, and two trials registers. We also checked reference lists and contacted relevant organisations and researchers to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs evaluating the effect of synthetic VAS in children aged six months to five years living in the community. We excluded studies involving children in hospital and children with disease or infection. We also excluded studies evaluating the effects of food fortification, consumption of vitamin A rich foods, or beta-carotene supplementation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For this update, two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and abstracted data, resolving discrepancies by discussion. We performed meta-analyses for outcomes, including all-cause and cause-specific mortality, disease, vision, and side effects. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We identified 47 studies (4 of which are new to this review), involving approximately 1,223,856 children. Studies took place in 19 countries: 30 (63%) in Asia, 16 of these in India; 8 (17%) in Africa; 7 (15%) in Latin America, and 2 (4%) in Australia. About one-third of the studies were in urban/periurban settings, and half were in rural settings; the remaining studies did not clearly report settings. Most of the studies included equal numbers of girls and boys and lasted about a year. The included studies were at variable overall risk of bias; however, evidence for the primary outcome was at low risk of bias. A meta-analysis for all-cause mortality included 19 trials (1,202,382 children). At longest follow-up, there was a 12% observed reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality for vitamin A compared with control using a fixed-effect model (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.93; high-quality evidence). This result was sensitive to choice of model, and a random-effects meta-analysis showed a different summary estimate (24% reduction: RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88); however, the confidence intervals overlapped with that of the fixed-effect model. Nine trials reported mortality due to diarrhoea and showed a 12% overall reduction for VAS (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98; 1,098,538 participants; high-quality evidence). There was no significant effect for VAS on mortality due to measles, respiratory disease, and meningitis. VAS reduced incidence of diarrhoea (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.87; 15 studies; 77,946 participants; low-quality evidence) and measles (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.67; 6 studies; 19,566 participants; moderate-quality evidence). However, there was no significant effect on incidence of respiratory disease or hospitalisations due to diarrhoea or pneumonia. There was an increased risk of vomiting within the first 48 hours of VAS (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.69; 4 studies; 10,541 participants; moderate-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Vitamin A supplementation is associated with a clinically meaningful reduction in morbidity and mortality in children. Therefore, we suggest maintaining the policy of universal supplementation for children under five years of age in populations at risk of VAD. Further placebo-controlled trials of VAS in children between six months and five years of age would not change the conclusions of this review, although studies that compare different doses and delivery mechanisms are needed. In populations with documented vitamin A deficiency, it would be unethical to conduct placebo-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Imdad
- Vanderbilt University School of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionNashvilleTNUSA37212
| | - Evan Mayo‐Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of Epidemiology615 North Wolfe StreetBaltimoreMarylandUSA21205
| | - Kurt Herzer
- Johns Hopkins School of MedicineTower 711600 North Wolfe St.BaltimoreMDUSA21287
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoONCanadaM5G A04
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10
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McFadden A, Gavine A, Renfrew MJ, Wade A, Buchanan P, Taylor JL, Veitch E, Rennie AM, Crowther SA, Neiman S, MacGillivray S. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 2:CD001141. [PMID: 28244064 PMCID: PMC6464485 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001141.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is extensive evidence of important health risks for infants and mothers related to not breastfeeding. In 2003, the World Health Organization recommended that infants be breastfed exclusively until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant's diet until at least two years of age. However, current breastfeeding rates in many countries do not reflect this recommendation. OBJECTIVES To describe forms of breastfeeding support which have been evaluated in controlled studies, the timing of the interventions and the settings in which they have been used.To examine the effectiveness of different modes of offering similar supportive interventions (for example, whether the support offered was proactive or reactive, face-to-face or over the telephone), and whether interventions containing both antenatal and postnatal elements were more effective than those taking place in the postnatal period alone.To examine the effectiveness of different care providers and (where information was available) training.To explore the interaction between background breastfeeding rates and effectiveness of support. SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (29 February 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing extra support for healthy breastfeeding mothers of healthy term babies with usual maternity care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS This updated review includes 100 trials involving more than 83,246 mother-infant pairs of which 73 studies contribute data (58 individually-randomised trials and 15 cluster-randomised trials). We considered that the overall risk of bias of trials included in the review was mixed. Of the 31 new studies included in this update, 21 provided data for one or more of the primary outcomes. The total number of mother-infant pairs in the 73 studies that contributed data to this review is 74,656 (this total was 56,451 in the previous version of this review). The 73 studies were conducted in 29 countries. Results of the analyses continue to confirm that all forms of extra support analyzed together showed a decrease in cessation of 'any breastfeeding', which includes partial and exclusive breastfeeding (average risk ratio (RR) for stopping any breastfeeding before six months 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 0.95; moderate-quality evidence, 51 studies) and for stopping breastfeeding before four to six weeks (average RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95; moderate-quality evidence, 33 studies). All forms of extra support together also showed a decrease in cessation of exclusive breastfeeding at six months (average RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.92; moderate-quality evidence, 46 studies) and at four to six weeks (average RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.89; moderate quality, 32 studies). We downgraded evidence to moderate-quality due to very high heterogeneity.We investigated substantial heterogeneity for all four outcomes with subgroup analyses for the following covariates: who delivered care, type of support, timing of support, background breastfeeding rate and number of postnatal contacts. Covariates were not able to explain heterogeneity in general. Though the interaction tests were significant for some analyses, we advise caution in the interpretation of results for subgroups due to the heterogeneity. Extra support by both lay and professionals had a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Several factors may have also improved results for women practising exclusive breastfeeding, such as interventions delivered with a face-to-face component, high background initiation rates of breastfeeding, lay support, and a specific schedule of four to eight contacts. However, because within-group heterogeneity remained high for all of these analyses, we advise caution when making specific conclusions based on subgroup results. We noted no evidence for subgroup differences for the any breastfeeding outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS When breastfeeding support is offered to women, the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding is increased. Characteristics of effective support include: that it is offered as standard by trained personnel during antenatal or postnatal care, that it includes ongoing scheduled visits so that women can predict when support will be available, and that it is tailored to the setting and the needs of the population group. Support is likely to be more effective in settings with high initiation rates. Support may be offered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Strategies that rely mainly on face-to-face support are more likely to succeed with women practising exclusive breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison McFadden
- University of DundeeMother and Infant Research Unit, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dundee Centre for Health and Related Research11 Airlie PlaceDundeeTaysideUKDD1 4HJ
| | - Anna Gavine
- University of Dundeeevidence Synthesis Training and Research Group (eSTAR), School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dundee Centre for Health and Related Research11 Airlie PlaceDundeeUKDD1 4HJ
| | - Mary J Renfrew
- University of DundeeMother and Infant Research Unit, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dundee Centre for Health and Related Research11 Airlie PlaceDundeeTaysideUKDD1 4HJ
| | - Angela Wade
- Institute of Child HealthCentre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics30 Guilford StLondonUKWC1N 1 EH
| | | | | | - Emma Veitch
- Breastfeeding NetworkPaisleyRenfrewshireUKPA2 8YB
| | - Anne Marie Rennie
- NHS Grampian, Aberdeen Maternity HospitalCornhill RoadAberdeenUKAB25 2ZL
| | - Susan A Crowther
- Robert Gordon UniversityFaculty of Health and Social Care, School of Nursing and MidwiferyGarthdee RoadAberdeenUKAB10 7AQ
| | - Sara Neiman
- Breastfeeding NetworkPaisleyRenfrewshireUKPA2 8YB
| | - Stephen MacGillivray
- University of Dundeeevidence Synthesis Training and Research Group (eSTAR), School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dundee Centre for Health and Related Research11 Airlie PlaceDundeeUKDD1 4HJ
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11
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Darling AM, Mugusi FM, Etheredge AJ, Gunaratna NS, Abioye AI, Aboud S, Duggan C, Mongi R, Spiegelman D, Roberts D, Hamer DH, Kain KC, Fawzi WW. Vitamin A and Zinc Supplementation Among Pregnant Women to Prevent Placental Malaria: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:826-834. [PMID: 28115667 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractVitamin A and zinc are important for immune function and may improve host defense against malaria and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether daily oral supplementation with either or both nutrients starting in the first trimester reduces the risk of placental malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We undertook a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a factorial design among 2,500 human immunodeficiency virus-negative primigravid or secundigravid pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We randomly allocated equal numbers of participants to 2,500 IU of vitamin A, 25 mg of zinc, both 2,500 IU of vitamin A and 25 mg of zinc, or a placebo until delivery. A total of 625 participants were allocated to each treatment group. Our primary outcome, placental malaria infection (past or current), was assessed in all randomized participants for whom placental samples were obtained at delivery (N = 1,404), which represents 56% of total participants and 62% of all pregnancies lasting 28 weeks or longer (N = 2,266). Birth outcomes were obtained for 2,434 of the 2,500 randomized participants. Secondary outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA) births and prematurity. All analyses were intent to treat. Those who received zinc had a lower risk of histopathology-positive placental malaria compared with those who did not receive zinc (risk ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.44, 0.91), but neither nutrient had an effect on polymerase chain reaction-positive malaria, SGA, or prematurity. No safety concerns were identified. We recommend additional studies in other geographic locations to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Darling
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ferdinand M Mugusi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Analee J Etheredge
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nilupa S Gunaratna
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ajibola Ibraheem Abioye
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Said Aboud
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Christopher Duggan
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert Mongi
- Department of Parasitology/Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Drucilla Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Sandra A. Rotman Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Depatment of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Imdad A, Ahmed Z, Bhutta ZA. Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants one to six months of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 9:CD007480. [PMID: 27681486 PMCID: PMC6457829 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007480.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Vitamin A supplementation provided to infants less than six months of age is one of the strategies to improve the nutrition of infants at high risk of vitamin A deficiency and thus potentially reduce their mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of synthetic vitamin A supplementation in infants one to six months of age in low- and middle-income countries, irrespective of maternal antenatal or postnatal vitamin A supplementation status, on mortality, morbidity and adverse effects. SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 2), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 5 March 2016), Embase (1980 to 5 March 2016) and CINAHL (1982 to 5 March 2016). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised, individually or cluster randomised trials involving synthetic vitamin A supplementation compared to placebo or no intervention provided to infants one to six months of age were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors assessed the studies for eligibility and assessed their risk of bias and collected data on outcomes. MAIN RESULTS The review included 12 studies (reported in 22 publications). The included studies assigned 24,846 participants aged one to six months to vitamin A supplementation or control group. There was no effect of vitamin A supplementation for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality based on seven studies that included 21,339 (85%) participants (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.25; I2 = 0%; test for heterogeneity: P = 0.79; quality of evidence: moderate). Also, there was no effect of vitamin A supplementation on mortality or morbidity due to diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection. There was an increased risk of bulging fontanelle within 24 to 72 hours of supplementation in the vitamin A group compared to control (RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.89 to 5.09; I2 = 9%, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.36; quality of evidence: high). There was no reported subsequent increased risk of death, convulsions or irritability in infants who developed bulging fontanelle after vitamin A supplementation, and it resolved in most cases within 72 hours. There was no increased risk of other adverse effects such as vomiting, irritability, diarrhoea, fever and convulsions in the vitamin A supplementation group compared to control. Vitamin A supplementation did not have any statistically significant effect on vitamin A deficiency (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.06; I2 = 27%; test for heterogeneity: P = 0.25; quality of evidence: moderate). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no convincing evidence that vitamin A supplementation for infants one to six months of age results in a reduction in infant mortality or morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. There is an increased risk of bulging fontanelle with vitamin A supplementation in this age group; however, there were no reported subsequent complications because of this adverse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamer Imdad
- Vanderbilt University School of MedicineDepartment of Pediatrics, D. Brent Polk Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionNashvilleTNUSA37212
| | | | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Hospital for Sick ChildrenCenter for Global Child HealthTorontoONCanadaM5G A04
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13
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Brazeau NF, Tabala M, Kiketa L, Kayembe D, Chalachala JL, Kawende B, Lapika B, Meshnick SR, Yotebieng M. Exclusive Breastfeeding and Clinical Malaria Risk in 6-Month-Old Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:827-830. [PMID: 27549632 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life. However, the effect of EBF on malaria risk remains unclear. In the present study, 137 EBF infants and 358 non-EBF infants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were assessed for fever and malaria infections by polymerase chain reaction, at 6 months of age. EBF was associated with a reduced risk of clinical malaria (odds ratio = 0.13; 95% confidence interval = 0.00-0.80), suggesting a protective effect of EBF against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Brazeau
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Martine Tabala
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Landry Kiketa
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Dyna Kayembe
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Bienvenu Kawende
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bruno Lapika
- Department of Anthropology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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14
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Oyeyemi OT, Sode OJ, Adebayo OD, Mensah-Agyei GO. Reliability of rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosing pregnancy and infant-associated malaria in Nigeria. J Infect Public Health 2015; 9:471-7. [PMID: 26738923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effective management of maternal and infant malaria requires rational and prompt diagnosis. This study aims to determine the diagnostic efficiency of malaria RDT in infants and pregnant women. METHODS The study was conducted on infants (n=200), pregnant women (n=80) and non-pregnant women (n=100) who were recruited from two hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. Plasmodium falciparum infections were assessed in the febrile subjects by microscopic examinations of blood smears and by RDT. RESULTS The lowest (44.3%) and the highest (83.3%) sensitivity (SS) values were recorded in the infants and pregnant women, respectively. Other diagnostic parameters, including the specificity (SP, 97.5%), positive predictive value (PPV, 92.1%) and negative predictive value (NPV, 72.8%), in the infants were greater than the values recorded in non-pregnant (SP=77.5%, PPV=83.9%, NPV=70.5%) and pregnant women populations (SP=65.6%, PPV=78.4%, NPV=72.4%). The diagnostic efficiency of malaria RDT exhibited higher sensitivity in women in early gestational stages (1st trimester=78.6% and 2nd trimester=88.0%) compared with those in the 3rd trimester (71.4%). The sensitivity of malaria RDT (100.0%) was significantly higher in the multigravid women than in the primigravida (78.6%) and secundigravida women (77.8%, P<0.05). The sensitivity of the RDT significantly increased with the intensity of the malarial parasites (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Malaria is endemic in the study populations. Malaria RDT can serve as a first-line of diagnosis for pregnant women in early gestational stages and multigravid women and can aid the differential diagnoses of other diseases due to its high specificity in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyetunde T Oyeyemi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Nigeria.
| | - Oluwarotimi J Sode
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan D Adebayo
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Grace O Mensah-Agyei
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Nigeria
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15
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Ceesay SJ, Koivogui L, Nahum A, Taal MA, Okebe J, Affara M, Kaman LE, Bohissou F, Agbowai C, Tolno BG, Amambua-Ngwa A, Bangoura NF, Ahounou D, Muhammad AK, Duparc S, Hamed K, Ubben D, Bojang K, Achan J, D'Alessandro U. Malaria Prevalence among Young Infants in Different Transmission Settings, Africa. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:1114-21. [PMID: 26079062 PMCID: PMC4480393 DOI: 10.3201/eid2107.142036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and consequences of malaria among infants are not well characterized and may be underestimated. A better understanding of the risk for malaria in early infancy is critical for drug development and informed decision making. In a cross-sectional survey in Guinea, The Gambia, and Benin, countries with different malaria transmission intensities, the overall prevalence of malaria among infants <6 months of age was 11.8% (Guinea, 21.7%; The Gambia, 3.7%; and Benin, 10.2%). Seroprevalence ranged from 5.7% in The Gambia to 41.6% in Guinea. Mean parasite densities in infants were significantly lower than those in children 1-9 years of age in The Gambia (p<0.0001) and Benin (p = 0.0021). Malaria in infants was significantly associated with fever or recent history of fever (p = 0.007) and anemia (p = 0.001). Targeted preventive interventions, adequate drug formulations, and treatment guidelines are needed to address the sizeable prevalence of malaria among young infants in malaria-endemic countries.
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16
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Nankabirwa V, Tumwine JK, Mugaba PM, Tylleskär T, Sommerfelt H. Child survival and BCG vaccination: a community based prospective cohort study in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:175. [PMID: 25886062 PMCID: PMC4342809 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on non-specific effects of BCG vaccination in well described, general population African cohorts is scanty. We report the effects of BCG vaccination on post-neonatal infant and post-infancy mortality in a cohort of children in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. Methods A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and February 2014. A total of 819 eligible pregnant women were followed up for pregnancy outcomes and survival of their children up to 5 years of age. Data on the children’s BCG vaccination status was collected from child health cards at multiple visits between 3 weeks and 7 years of age. Data was also collected on mothers’ residence, age, parity, household income, self-reported HIV status as well as place of birth. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models taking into account potential confounders were used to estimate the association between BCG vaccination and child survival. Results The neonatal mortality risk was 22 (95% CI: 13, 35), post-neonatal infant mortality 21 (12, 34) per 1,000 live births and the mortality risk among children between 1 and 5 years of age (post-infancy) was 63 (47, 82) per 1,000 live births. The median age at BCG vaccination was 4 days. Out of 819 children, 647 (79%) had received the BCG vaccine by 24 weeks of age. In the adjusted analysis, the rate of post-neonatal death among infants vaccinated with BCG tended to be nearly half of that among those who had not received the vaccine (adjusted HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.53). BCG vaccination was associated with a lower rate of death among children between 1 and 5 years of age (adjusted HR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.48). Conclusion The risk of early childhood death in Mbale, Uganda is unacceptably high. BCG vaccination was associated with an increased likelihood of child survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), Centre for International health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - James K Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Proscovia M Mugaba
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Halvor Sommerfelt
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health (CISMAC), Centre for International health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Hollm-Delgado MG, Piel FB, Weiss DJ, Howes RE, Stuart EA, Hay SI, Black RE. Vitamin A supplements, routine immunization, and the subsequent risk of Plasmodium infection among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. eLife 2015; 4:e03925. [PMID: 25647726 PMCID: PMC4383226 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies, partly based on murine models, suggest childhood immunization and
vitamin A supplements may confer protection against malaria infection, although
strong evidence to support these theories in humans has so far been lacking. We
analyzed national survey data from children aged 6–59 months in four
sub-Saharan African countries over an 18-month time period, to determine the risk of
Plasmodium spp. parasitemia (n=8390) and Plasmodium
falciparum HRP-2 (PfHRP-2)-related antigenemia
(n=6121) following vitamin A supplementation and standard vaccination. Bacille
Calmette Guerin-vaccinated children were more likely to be PfHRP-2
positive (relative risk [RR]=4.06, 95% confidence interval
[CI]=2.00–8.28). No association was identified with parasitemia. Measles
and polio vaccination were not associated with malaria. Children receiving vitamin A
were less likely to present with parasitemia (RR=0.46, 95%
CI=0.39–0.54) and antigenemia (RR=0.23, 95%
CI=0.17–0.29). Future studies focusing on climate seasonality, placental
malaria and HIV are needed to characterize better the association between vitamin A
and malaria infection in different settings. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03925.001 More than half of the world's population is at risk of malaria, with an estimated 198
million clinical cases each year. A vaccine that fully prevents it has not yet been
discovered. Most cases of malaria occur among children living in sub-Saharan Africa,
a region where many receive routine vaccinations designed to prevent other diseases;
for example, 75% of children in sub-Saharan Africa receive measles vaccines. Many
also receive vitamin A supplements, which have been linked not only to the protection
of a child's vision, but also to a lower risk of death and an improved ability to
fight off infections. Some researchers have suggested that vitamin A supplements and routine childhood
vaccinations for other diseases may also provide some protection against malaria. For
example, some studies performed in mice have shown that a commonly used tuberculosis
vaccine may eliminate Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria
infections. However, this effect depended on several factors, including how the
vaccine was administered and whether the vaccination was given before or after the
mouse developed malaria. It is less clear whether vaccines or vitamin A have antimalarial effects in humans.
To address this, Hollm-Delgado et al. analyzed national survey data collected from
thousands of children aged between 6 months and 5 years old who lived in four
different countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The surveys contained information about
the vaccines and supplements the children received, and whether their blood showed
signs of infection with malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. Hollm-Delgado et al. found that routine vaccinations did not affect the likelihood of
malaria parasites being detected in the child's blood. However, children vaccinated
against tuberculosis were more likely to have a specific type of protein released
when malaria infects the blood. Hollm-Delgado et al. suspect that the tests may
actually have inadvertently detected other parasitic infections in the children, such
as Schistosoma, producing false-positive results for malaria. In contrast, Hollm-Delgado et al. found that children who received vitamin A
supplements were less likely to become infected with malaria. The benefits of the
supplements appeared to be affected by several conditions, including the time of year
when the children received their supplements or when they were tested for malaria,
and whether their mother had malaria when pregnant. Clinical trials are now needed to
confirm these results and investigate how effectively vitamin A prevents malaria. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03925.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Graciela Hollm-Delgado
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Frédéric B Piel
- Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Disease Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Weiss
- Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind E Howes
- Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Departments of Mental Health and Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Simon I Hay
- Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E Black
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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18
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D'Alessandro U, Ubben D, Hamed K, Ceesay SJ, Okebe J, Taal M, Lama EK, Keita M, Koivogui L, Nahum A, Bojang K, Sonko AAJ, Lalya HF, Brabin B. Malaria in infants aged less than six months - is it an area of unmet medical need? Malar J 2012. [PMID: 23198986 PMCID: PMC3529680 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the protection provided by several factors, including maternal antibodies, the burden of malaria in young infants may be higher than previously thought. Infants with congenital or neonatal malaria may have a different clinical presentation than older children, and diagnosis may be confused with other neonatal diseases due to an overlap of clinical manifestations. In addition, there is little information on the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy in young infants. There is the need for a more accurate estimate of the parasite prevalence and the incidence of clinical malaria in infants under 6 months old, as well as a better characterization of risk factors, pharmacokinetic profiles, safety and efficacy of currently available anti-malarial treatments, in order to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines for this population.
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