Effect of high-dose or split-dose artesunate on parasite clearance in artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria

48Citations
Citations of this article
128Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinins on the Cambodian and Myanmar-Thai borders poses severe threats to malaria control. We investigated whether increasing or splitting the dose of the short-half-life drug artesunate improves parasite clearance in falciparum malaria in the 2 regions.Methods. In Pailin, western Cambodia (from 2008 to 2010), and Wang Pha, northwestern Thailand (2009-2010), patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomized to oral artesunate 6 mg/kg/d as a once-daily or twice-daily dose for 7 days, or artesunate 8 mg/kg/d as a once-daily or twice-daily dose for 3 days, followed by mefloquine. Parasite clearance and recrudescence for up to 63 days of follow-up were assessed.Results. A total of 159 patients were enrolled. Overall median (interquartile range [IQR]) parasitemia half-life (half-life) was 6.03 (4.89-7.28) hours in Pailin versus 3.42 (2.20-4.85) hours in Wang Pha (P =. 0001). Splitting or increasing the artesunate dose did not shorten half-life in either site. Pharmacokinetic profiles of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin were similar between sites and did not correlate with half-life. Recrudescent infections occurred in 4 of 79 patients in Pailin and 5 of 80 in Wang Pha and was not different between treatment arms (P =. 68).Conclusions. Increasing the artesunate treatment dose up to 8 mg/kg/d or splitting the dose does not improve parasite clearance in either artemisinin resistant or more sensitive infections with P. falciparum.Clinical Trials Registration. ISRCTN15351875. © 2012 The Author.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Das, D., Tripura, R., Phyo, A. P., Lwin, K. M., Tarning, J., Lee, S. J., … Dondorp, A. M. (2013). Effect of high-dose or split-dose artesunate on parasite clearance in artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 56(5). https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cis958

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free