Mannitol and other osmotic diuretics as adjuncts for treating cerebral malaria.
BACKGROUND
The main treatment for cerebral malaria is parenteral antimalarials. Mannitol and urea are used as adjunct therapy for cerebral malaria, but the World Health Organization does not recommend them.


OBJECTIVE
To compare mannitol or urea to placebo or no treatment for treating children and adults with cerebral malaria.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (June 2004), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2004), EMBASE (1974 to June 2004), LILACS (1982 to June 2004), and reference lists of articles. We contacted relevant organizations and researchers.


METHODS
Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing mannitol or urea to placebo or no treatment in children and adults with cerebral malaria.


METHODS
No trials met the inclusion criteria.


RESULTS
No trials met the inclusion criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
We identified no randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials to support or refute the use of mannitol or urea as adjuncts for treating cerebral malaria in clinical practice. This is likely to require a multicentre trial.
Okoromah
C A N
CA
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, PMB 12003, Nigeria. christyok@operamail.com
Afolabi
B B
BB
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016779:Malaria, Cerebral / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008353:Mannitol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014508:Urea / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004234:Diuretics, Osmotic; D008353:Mannitol; D014508:Urea