Comparing Two Treatments for Malaria in Ghanaian Children
Author Information
Author(s): Kobbe Robin, Klein Philipp, Adjei Samuel, Amemasor Solomon, Thompson William Nana, Heidemann Hanna, Nielsen Maja V, Vohwinkel Julia, Hogan Benedikt, Kreuels Benno, Bührlen Martina, Loag Wibke, Ansong Daniel, May Jürgen
Primary Institution: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
Hypothesis
Is artesunate plus amodiaquine (ASAQ) more effective than artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ghanaian children?
Conclusion
Both ASAQ and AL treatments showed high clinical and parasitological responses, but AL was less effective in preventing late clinical failures.
Supporting Evidence
- Both ASAQ and AL had similar clinical and parasitological response rates of around 90%.
- Late clinical failures were significantly higher in the AL group compared to the ASAQ group.
- Acceptance of ASAQ treatment was rated higher than that of AL by parents.
Takeaway
The study looked at two malaria treatments for kids in Ghana and found that both worked well, but one was better at stopping relapses.
Methodology
A randomized open-label trial was conducted with 246 children under five years of age assigned to either ASAQ or AL, with follow-up visits to evaluate outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the unobserved administration of treatments.
Limitations
The study was prematurely terminated due to a high frequency of anemia cases, which may affect the power of the results.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6–59 months with uncomplicated malaria, predominantly Ashanti ethnic group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.00–5.79
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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