Hearing Loss from Malaria Treatment: Comparing Artemether/Lumefantrine, Quinine, and Atovaquone/Proguanil
Author Information
Author(s): Gürkov Robert, Eshetu Teferi, Miranda Isabel Barreto, Berens-Riha Nicole, Mamo Yoseph, Girma Tsinuel, Krause Eike, Schmidt Michael, Hempel John-Martin, Löscher Thomas
Primary Institution: Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
Hypothesis
Does artemether/lumefantrine cause ototoxicity compared to quinine and atovaquone/proguanil in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria?
Conclusion
Artemether/lumefantrine does not negatively affect hearing, while quinine can cause temporary hearing loss.
Supporting Evidence
- Transient significant cochlear hearing loss was observed in patients treated with quinine.
- Patients treated with artemether/lumefantrine showed no evidence of drug-induced brain stem lesions.
- Comprehensive audiovestibular testing was performed before and after treatment.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a malaria treatment called artemether/lumefantrine hurts hearing. It found that it doesn't, but another treatment, quinine, can cause temporary hearing problems.
Methodology
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either artemether/lumefantrine, quinine, or atovaquone/proguanil and followed for 90 days with audiovestibular testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of blinding in treatment allocation and follow-up assessments.
Limitations
The study's follow-up was limited by patient dropouts and the lack of a sound-proof testing environment.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged over five years with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from Jimma, Ethiopia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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