Effect of Preventive Malaria Treatment in Infants
Author Information
Author(s): May Jürgen, Adjei Samuel, Busch Wibke, Gabor Julian J, Issifou Saadou, Kobbe Robin, Kreuels Benno, Lell Bertrand, Schwarz Norbert G, Adjei Ohene, Kremsner Peter G, Grobusch Martin P
Primary Institution: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in infants?
Conclusion
The study suggests that SP-based IPTi mainly provides therapeutic and prophylactic effects for 30 to 60 days after drug application, with little sustained effect beyond that.
Supporting Evidence
- Protective efficacy was highest for the first 61 days after each IPTi application.
- The protective efficacy decreased continuously after each dose.
- A significant protection was detectable until day 60 after IPTi-1.
- The risk for malaria increased after day 60 following IPTi-3.
Takeaway
Giving babies a malaria medicine can help keep them from getting sick for a little while, but it doesn't work for a long time.
Methodology
The study used randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trials to assess the efficacy of IPTi in two cohorts from Ghana and Gabon.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of intervention effects due to early treatment of mild malaria episodes.
Limitations
The low number of malaria episodes in the Lambaréné cohort reduced statistical power.
Participant Demographics
Infants aged 3 to 21 months from two cohorts in Ghana and Gabon.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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