Effectiveness of quinine monotherapy for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women in Lambaréné, Gabon

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2005 Aug;73(2):263-6.

Abstract

Pregnant women participating in a longitudinal immuno-epidemiologic survey in Lambaréné, Gabon, and presenting with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia at monthly blood smear examinations were offered treatment with oral 7-day quinine monotherapy according to national health guidelines. A total of 50 pregnant women were offered 7-day oral quinine sulfate 10 mg/kg thrice daily. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests were performed on Days 28 and 56 to assess the effectiveness of this standard regimen. By Day 28, the effectiveness of the 7-day quinine regimen was 60% (95% confidence interval: 46-72%). We conclude that a 7-day course of quinine has a poor effectiveness and that alternative treatment regimens for malaria in pregnant women should be assessed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / administration & dosage
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Gabon
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Parasitemia / drug therapy
  • Parasitemia / parasitology
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Quinine / administration & dosage
  • Quinine / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Quinine