Inadequate evidence to support phase III studies of albumin in severe malaria
2007

Inadequate Evidence for Albumin in Severe Malaria

Sample size: 80 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Charles J. Woodrow, Timothy Planche

Primary Institution: St. George's University of London

Hypothesis

Can albumin reduce mortality in severe malaria by over 80%?

Conclusion

The study found no significant difference in outcomes between albumin and Gelofusine in treating severe malaria.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study found no significant difference between albumin and Gelofusine in any outcome measure.
  • The authors propose further studies of albumin despite the lack of evidence.
  • Allocation concealment was not incorporated in the study design.

Takeaway

The study looked at two treatments for severe malaria and found they worked about the same, so we need to be careful about which one we use.

Methodology

The study compared the effects of albumin and Gelofusine on children with severe malaria.

Potential Biases

There were concerns about the inclusion of patients who did not meet criteria and how that may have influenced results.

Limitations

The study design lacked allocation concealment and had potential biases in patient inclusion.

Participant Demographics

Children with severe malaria.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pctr.0020004

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication