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Cazes C, Phelan K, Hubert V, Boubacar H, Bozama LI, Sakubu GT, Senge BB, Baya N, Alitanou R, Kouamé A, Yao C, Gabillard D, Daures M, Augier A, Anglaret X, Kinda M, Shepherd S, Becquet R. Optimising the dosage of ready-to-use therapeutic food in children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 58:101878. [PMID: 36915287 PMCID: PMC10006445 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current standard management of severe acute malnutrition uses ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a single weight-based calculation resulting in an increasing amount of RUTF provided to the family as the child's weight increases during recovery. Using RUTF at a gradually reduced dosage as the child recovers could reduce costs while achieving similar growth response. METHODS We conducted an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Children aged 6-59 months with a mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) of less than 115 mm or a weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) of less than -3 or bipedal oedema and without medical complication were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) using a specially developed software and random blocks (size was kept confidential), to either the current standard treatment (increasing the RUTF amount with increasing weight) or the OptiMA strategy (decreasing the RUTF dose with increasing weight and MUAC). The main endpoint was proportion of children who achieved recovery over the 6 months follow up period, as defined as meeting the following criteria for two consecutive weeks after a minimum of 4 weeks' treatment: axillary temperature less than 37.5 °C, no bipedal oedema, and anthropometric improvement (either MUAC 125 mm or greater or WHZ -1.5 or higher). We performed analyses on the intention-to-treat (ITT) (all children) and per-protocol populations (participants who had a minimum prescription of 4 weeks' RUTF, received at least 90% of the total amount of RUTF they were supposed to receive as per the protocol, and had a maximum interval of 6 weeks between any two visits in the 6-month follow-up). The non-inferiority margin was 10%. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, and is now closed NCT03751475. FINDINGS Between July 22, 2019, and January 20, 2020, 491 children were randomly assigned, of whom 482 were analysed (240 in the standard group and 242 in the OptiMA group). In the ITT analysis, 234 (98%) children in the standard group and 231 (96%) children in OptiMA recovered (difference 2.0%, 95% CI -2.0% to 6.4%). In the PP analysis, 234 (98%) children in the standard group and 228 (97%) in OptiMA recovered (difference 1.3%, 95% CI -2.3% to 5.1%). Sensitivity analyses applying the same anthropometric recovery criteria to each group also showed non-inferiority of the OptiMA strategy in ITT and PP analysis. INTERPRETATION This non-inferiority trial treating uncomplicated children with MUAC of less than 115 mm or a WHZ of less than -3 or bipedal oedema with decreasing RUTF dose as MUAC and weight increase demonstrated non-inferiority compared to the standard protocol in a highly food-insecure context in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These findings add evidence on the safety of RUTF dose reduction with significant RUTF cost savings. FUNDING Innocent Foundation and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. TRANSLATION For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Cazes
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Victoire Hubert
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Harouna Boubacar
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Liévin Izie Bozama
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Gilbert Tshibangu Sakubu
- Kamuesha Health Zone in the Kasaï Province, Ministry of Health, Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bruno Bindamba Senge
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Norbert Baya
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Rodrigue Alitanou
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Antoine Kouamé
- PACCI ANRS Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Cyrille Yao
- PACCI ANRS Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Delphine Gabillard
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maguy Daures
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Augustin Augier
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Xavier Anglaret
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Moumouni Kinda
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Susan Shepherd
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Renaud Becquet
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Corresponding author. Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France.
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Cazes C, Phelan K, Hubert V, Boubacar H, Sakubu GT, Bozama LI, Baya N, Tusuku T, Yao C, Kouame A, Delphine G, Alitanou R, Kinda M, Augier A, Anglaret X, Shepherd S, Becquet R. Optimising Malnutrition Treatment – OptiMA-DRC: Recovery of Severely Wasted Children 6–59 Months in a Randomised Control Trial in Democratic Republic of Congo. Curr Dev Nutr 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab035_018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The main secondary objective of OptiMA-DRC trial was to compare the OptiMA strategy, ie.supplementing with one product, ready-to-use therapeutic food at a gradually reduced doses, with the current national nutritionnal standard protocol in children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at inclusion (MUAC < 115 mm or WHZ< −3 or oedema) in both arms.
Methods
This non-inferiority, individually randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in Kasai province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between July 2019 and July 2020. Children 6–59 months with MUAC < 115 mm or weight-for-height Zscore (WHZ)< −3 or oedema and without medical complication were randomized to either the OptiMA or standard arm and followed for 6 months.. Recovery was defined as MUAC > 125 mm for OptiMA and MUAC > 125 mm or WHZ >−1.5 for the standard arm, and absence of oedema, for two consecutive weeks in treatment with a 4-week minimum stay, and at any time during 6-months post-inclusion. Non-inferiority was shown if the upper-bound of the 95%CI of the difference of proportion of recovery between the two strategies was less than 10% in both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. Superiority (upper-bound of the 95%CI of this difference lower than 0%) was considered if non-inferiority was shown.
Results
Overall, 482 children with uncomplicated SAM were included in ITT analysis (242 OptiMA, 240 standard). At 6 months, 231 (95·5%) children recovered under OptiMA versus 234 (97·5%) under standard protocol (difference −2·0%, 95%CI: −1·96% to 6·4%). PP analysis was similar. There was no difference in hospitalization (11% OptiMA, 12% standard, P = 0·887) or mortality rates (0·2% both arms). Under OptiMA, weight and MUAC gains in recovered children (N = 465) were greater (median weight gain, 1400g versus 1200g, P< 0·001; median MUAC gain, 14 mm versus 11 mm, P < 0·001) and RUTF consumption (sachets) was lower (median 74 versus 112, P < 0·001).
Conclusions
Children with uncomplicated SAM recovered as well under OptiMA as under the DRC standard protocol. Gradual RUTF reduction may allow for increased nutrition program coverage by better allocating available resources.
Funding Sources
Innocent Foundation (London) European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (Brussels).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Cazes
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Victoire Hubert
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Harouna Boubacar
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Gilbert Tshibangu Sakubu
- Kamuesha Health Zone in the Kasaï Province, Ministry of Health, Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Liévin Izie Bozama
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Norbert Baya
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Toussaint Tusuku
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cyrille Yao
- PACCI Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Antoine Kouame
- PACCI Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gabillard Delphine
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Rodrigue Alitanou
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Moumouni Kinda
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Augustin Augier
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Xavier Anglaret
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Susan Shepherd
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Renaud Becquet
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
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Cazes C, Phelan K, Hubert V, Boubacar H, Bozama LI, Alitanou R, Tshiala BK, Sakubu GT, Yao C, Kouame A, Delphine G, Kinda M, Augier A, Anglaret X, Shepherd S, Becquet R. Optimising Malnutrition Treatment in Children 6–59 Months-OptiMA-DRC: Primary Outcome of a Randomised Control Trial in Democratic Republic of Congo. Curr Dev Nutr 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab035_019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The main objective was to compare the OptiMA strategy- ie.supplementing with ready-to-use therapeutic food at a gradually reduced doses- with the current national standard protocol.
Methods
This non-inferiority, individually randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Children 6–59 months with MUAC < 125 mm or weight-for-height Zscore< −3 or oedema and without medical complication were randomized to either OptiMA or standard arm and followed for 6 months. The main outcome was a binary composite indicator at 6-months post inclusion: child alive, not acutely malnourished per the study definition, and without an additional episode of acute malnutrition throughout the observation period. Non-inferiority was shown if the upper-bound of the 95% CI of the difference of proportion of favourable outcome between the two strategies was less than 10% in both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. Superiority (upper-bound of the 95% CI of this difference lower than 0%) was considered if non-inferiority was shown.
Results
Between July 2019 and July 2020, 981 children were enrolled. 896 children were included in the ITT analysis (450 OptiMA and 446 standard), 792 in the PP analysis. All children under OptiMA and 200 children in the standard arm were eligible for RUTF. ITT analysis showed 325 (72·2%) children had a favourable outcome under OptiMA versus 282 (63·2%) in the standard arm (difference: −9·2%, 95% CI: −15·9% to −2·0%). PP analysis was similar. Under OptiMA, weight and MUAC gain were greater (median weight gain, 1700 g versus 1600 g, P = 0·003 and median MUAC gain, 13 mm versus 12 mm, P = 0·012), and RUTF consumption was lower (median of 64 sachets versus 102 sachets, P = 0·018). There was no difference in hospitalization (10% OptiMA, 7% standard, P = 0·228) or mortality rates (0·2% in both arms).
Conclusions
OptiMA was superior to the DRC standard protocol. It expanded access to RUTF, promoted improved anthropometry with lower RUTF consumption during treatment, and led to better outcomes at 6-months post inclusion. These results suggest benefits in giving smaller rations of RUTF at an earlier stage of malnutrition rather than larger rations only when children become severely malnourished.
Funding Sources
Innocent Foundation (London) European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (Brussels).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Cazes
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Victoire Hubert
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Harouna Boubacar
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Liévin Izie Bozama
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Rodrigue Alitanou
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Beatrice Kalenga Tshiala
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Gilbert Tshibangu Sakubu
- Kamuesha Health Zone in the Kasaï Province, Ministry of Health, Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Cyrille Yao
- PACCI Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Antoine Kouame
- PACCI Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gabillard Delphine
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Moumouni Kinda
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Augustin Augier
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Xavier Anglaret
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
| | - Susan Shepherd
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Renaud Becquet
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, France
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Cazes C, Phelan K, Hubert V, Alitanou R, Boubacar H, Izie Bozama L, Tshibangu Sakubu G, Beuscart A, Yao C, Gabillard D, Kinda M, Augier A, Anglaret X, Shepherd S, Becquet R. Simplifying and optimising management of acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months: study protocol for a community-based individually randomised controlled trial in Kasaï, Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e041213. [PMID: 33268424 PMCID: PMC7713214 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute malnutrition (AM) is a continuum condition, arbitrarily divided into moderate and severe AM (SAM) categories, funded and managed in separate programmes under different protocols. Optimising acute MAlnutrition (OptiMA) treatment aims to simplify and optimise AM management by treating children with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <125 mm or oedema with one product-ready-to-use therapeutic food-at a gradually tapered dose. Our main objective was to compare the OptiMA strategy with the standard nutritional protocol in children 6-59 months presenting with MUAC <125 mm or oedema without additional complications, as well as in children classified as uncomplicated SAM (ie, MUAC <115 mm or weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) <-3 or with oedema). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study was a non-inferiority, individually randomised controlled clinical trial conducted at community level in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Children 6-59 months presenting with MUAC <125 mm or WHZ <-3 or with bipedal oedema and without medical complication were included after signed informed consent in outpatient health facilities. All participants were followed for 6 months. Success in both arms was defined at 6 months post inclusion as being alive, not acutely malnourished per the definition applied at inclusion and without an additional episode of AM throughout the 6-month observation period. Recovery among children with uncomplicated SAM was the main secondary outcome. For the primary objective, 890 participants were needed, and 480 children with SAM were needed for the main secondary objective. We will perform non-inferiority analyses in per-protocol and intention-to-treat basis for both outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approvals were obtained from the National Health Ethics Committee of the Democratic Republic of Congo and from the Ethics Evaluation Committee of Inserm, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Paris, France). We will submit results for publication to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminate findings in international and national conferences and meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03751475. Registered 19 September 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03751475.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Cazes
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Victoire Hubert
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Rodrigue Alitanou
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Harouna Boubacar
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Liévin Izie Bozama
- National Nutrition Programme (PRONANUT), Ministry of Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Gilbert Tshibangu Sakubu
- Kamuesha Health Zone in the Kasaï Province, Ministry of Health, Kamuesha, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Aurélie Beuscart
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cyrille Yao
- PACCI Research Programme, University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Delphine Gabillard
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Moumouni Kinda
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Augustin Augier
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Xavier Anglaret
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susan Shepherd
- The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Renaud Becquet
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team IDLIC, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
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