Effectiveness of quinine monotherapy for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women in Lambaréné, Gabon.
Pregnant women participating in a longitudinal immuno-epidemiologic survey in Lambaréné, Gabon, and presenting with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia at monthly blood smear examinations were offered treatment with oral 7-day quinine monotherapy according to national health guidelines. A total of 50 pregnant women were offered 7-day oral quinine sulfate 10 mg/kg thrice daily. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests were performed on Days 28 and 56 to assess the effectiveness of this standard regimen. By Day 28, the effectiveness of the 7-day quinine regimen was 60% (95% confidence interval: 46-72%). We conclude that a 7-day course of quinine has a poor effectiveness and that alternative treatment regimens for malaria in pregnant women should be assessed.
Adegnika
Ayôla A
AA
Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon. aadegnika@yahoo.com
Breitling
Lutz Ph
LP
Agnandji
Selidji T
ST
Chai
Sanders K
SK
Schütte
Daniela
D
Oyakhirome
Sunny
S
Schwarz
Norbert G
NG
Grobusch
Martin P
MP
Missinou
Michel A
MA
Ramharter
Michael
M
Issifou
Saadou
S
Kremsner
Peter G
PG
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005681:Gabon; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D011803:Quinine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000962:Antimalarials; D011803:Quinine