A comparative study of Arco and Coartem in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in patients aged 4 months to 16 years attending Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Year: 2010
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Malaria is a major cause of child morbidity and mortality in Uganda. It accounts for 24-45% of outpatient visits in Uganda. The situation is worsened by the development of drug resistance and lengthy anti-malaria drug treatment which pose problems of compliance to medication. Both Arco and Coartem are Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs). We conducted a study to compare the efficacy and safety of Arco a single dose drug and Coartem in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children aged 4 months – 16 years attending Mulago Hospital, Kampala Uganda. Methods: A phase II single blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out between November 2007 and June 2008. We screened 3344 patients with fever for malaria of whom 353 had positive blood smear, 225 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomized into the two study arms i.e. Arco and Coartem arms. The study patients were followed up for 42 days. Results: There was 100% parasite clearance by day 2 in both the ARCO and Coartem arms of the study. The overall cure rate on day 42 of follow up was 98% for both Arco and Coartem. Recrudescence occurred in 2 patients in the Arco arm of the study by day 42 and in 2 patients on Coartem by day 21 of follow up. No statistically significant difference in resolution of fever, vomiting, dizziness and back pain was observed throughout the follow up period of the study. No difference was observed in the clinical presentation between the two treatment arms. No serious adverse events were reported/observed in either of the study arms. Conclusion: Arco and Coartem are equally effective and safe in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children aged 4 months to 16 years. Arco is a suitable ACT in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children. Abstracts for SupplementInternational Journal of Infectious DiseasesVol. 14Preview Full-Text PDF Open Archive
Institutions: Makerere University, Mulago Hospital, Ministry of Health
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W2027626106