Electrocardiographic effect of artemisinin-piperaquine, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, and artemether-lumefantrine treatment in falciparum malaria patients

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), such as artemisinin-piperaquine (AP), dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), and artemether-lumefantrine (AL), is the first-line treatment for malaria in many malaria-endemic areas. However, we lack a detailed evaluation of the cardiotoxicity of these ACTs. This study aimed to analyze the electrocardiographic effects of these three ACTs in malaria patients. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data of 89 hospitalized patients with falciparum malaria who had received oral doses of three different ACTs. According to the ACTs administered, these patients were divided into three treatment groups: 27 treated with AP (Artequick), 31 with DP (Artekin), and 31 with AL (Coartem). Electrocardiograms and other indicators were recorded before and after the treatment. The QT interval was calculated using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) and Bazett's formula (QTcB). RESULTS: Both QTcF and QTcB interval prolongation occurred in all three groups. The incidence of such prolongation between the three groups was not significantly different. The incidence of both moderate and severe prolongation was not significantly different between the three groups. The ΔQTcF and ΔQTcB of the three groups were not significantly different. The intra-group comparison showed significant prolongation of QTcF after AL treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically recommended doses of DP, AL, and AP may cause QT prolongation in some malaria patients but do not cause torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia or other arrhythmias.

Effect of artemisinin-piperaquine treatment on the electrocardiogram of malaria patients

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Concern regarding the cardiotoxicity of antimalarials has been renewed because of their potential to cause QT/QTc interval prolongation related to torsade de pointes (TdP). Artemisinin-piperaquine (AP) is considered an effective artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for malaria. METHODS: This study involved a retrospective analysis of clinical data of 93 hospitalized malaria patients who had received AP orally. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained at specific time points in the original study. RESULTS: Some cases of QT prolongation were observed. However, no TdP was found. CONCLUSIONS: AP may cause QT interval prolongation in some malaria patients but may not lead to TdP.

Desinvestimento do medicamento artemeter para o tratamento de Malária Grave / Disinvestment of the drug artemether for the treatment of Serious Malaria

CONTEXTO: A malária é uma doença parasitária infecciosa aguda causada por protozoários do gênero Plasmodium e representa um grave problema de saúde pública. No Brasil, há três espécies associadas à malária em seres humanos: P. falciparum, P. vivax e P. malariae. O demandante solicitou o desinvestimento do medicamento artemeter 80 mg/ml, mantendo apenas o artesunato 60 mg/ml como opção de tratamento injetável com derivado de artemisinina para malária grave. A recomendação de retirada do artemeter fundamenta-se em orientação do guia de tratamento da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), publicado em 2015, que orienta que o tratamento de adultos e crianças com malária grave (incluindo as gestantes em todos os trimestres e mulheres lactantes) deve ser feito, preferencialmente, com artesunato intravenoso ou intramuscular. TECNOLOGIA SOLICITADA PARA DESINVESTIMENTO: Artemeter 80 mg/ml.: Tratamento da malária grave. EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Com o objetivo de avaliar se artesunato injetável é uma melhor opção terapêutica que o artemeter injetável para o tratamento da malária grave, em termos de eficácia, efetividade e segurança, foram pesquisadas evidências científicas comparando os dois medicamentos. Foi selecionada uma revisão sistemática da Cochrane que mostrou que o risco de mortalidade por todas as causas foi significativamente menor com o artesunato do que com o artemeter. O artesunato reduziu o risco de hipoglicemia, como evento adverso aos tratamentos, em relação ao artemeter. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos na resolução do coma, no tempo para clearance do parasita e no tempo para desaparecimento da febre. IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Embora o custo de tratamento com artesunato 60 mg/mL seja maior do que com o artemeter 80 mg/ml, o demandante informou que não vai aumentar a quantidade de artesunato comprada, visto que os casos de malária grave estão diminuindo. RECOMENDAÇÃO DA CONITEC: Pelo exposto, os membros do Plenário da CONITEC, presentes na 56ª reunião ordinária, deliberaram que o tema fosse submetido à consulta pública com recomendação preliminar favorável ao desinvestimento do artemeter para tratamento da malária grave. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foi recebida somente 1 contribuição sobre experiência de profissional de saúde que concordou totalmente com a recomendação da CONITEC. : Os membros da CONITEC deliberaram por recomendar a exclusão do medicamento artemeter para o tratamento de malária grave. DECISÃO: A Portaria nº 42, de 9 de outubro de 2017, tornou pública a decisão de excluir o medicamento artemeter para o tratamento de Malária Grave, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS.(AU)

An Imported Case of Severe Falciparum Malaria with Prolonged Hemolytic Anemia Clinically Mimicking a Coinfection with Babesiosis

While imported falciparum malaria has been increasingly reported in recent years in Korea, clinicians have difficulties in making a clinical diagnosis as well as in having accessibility to effective anti-malarial agents. Here we describe an unusual case of imported falciparum malaria with severe hemolytic anemia lasting over 2 weeks, clinically mimicking a coinfection with babesiosis. A 48-year old Korean man was diagnosed with severe falciparum malaria in France after traveling to the Republic of Benin, West Africa. He received a 1-day course of intravenous artesunate and a 7-day course of Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) with supportive hemodialysis. Coming back to Korea 5 days after discharge, he was readmitted due to recurrent fever, and further treated with Malarone for 3 days. Both the peripheral blood smears and PCR test were positive for Plasmodium falciparum. However, he had prolonged severe hemolytic anemia (Hb 5.6 g/dl). Therefore, 10 days after the hospitalization, Babesia was considered to be potentially coinfected. A 7-day course of Malarone and azithromycin was empirically started. He became afebrile within 3 days of this babesiosis treatment, and hemolytic anemia profiles began to improve at the completion of the treatment. He has remained stable since his discharge. Unexpectedly, the PCR assays failed to detect DNA of Babesia spp. from blood. In addition, during the retrospective review of the case, the artesunate-induced delayed hemolytic anemia was considered as an alternative cause of the unexplained hemolytic anemia.

Possible artemisinin-based combination therapy-resistant malaria in Nigeria: a report of three cases

Artemisinin-based combination therapy-resistant malaria is rare in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization identifies monitoring and surveillance using day-3 parasitaemia post-treatment as the standard test for identifying suspected artemisinin resistance. We report three cases of early treatment failure due to possible artemisinin-based combination therapy-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. All cases showed adequate clinical and parasitological responses to quinine. This study reveals a need to re-evaluate the quality and efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy agents in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Correlation among agronomic, physiological and phytochemical traits in Artemisia annua L. varieties / Correlação entre caracteres agronômicos, fisiológicos e fitoquímicos em variedades de Artemisia annua L

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlations among agronomic, physiological and phytochemical traits of two varieties of Artemisia annua and to identify correlations that can be used in selection and breeding processes for this species. The design was completely randomized and the treatments were for Artemisia annua varieties 2/39x5x3M and 2/39x1V, which were subjected to agronomic, physiological and phytochemical evaluations. The relationship among the studied traits was estimated with Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the significance level of correlations was established by the t-test using Genes software. A significant positive correlation was found between the traits canopy volume and essential oil yield for 2/39x5x3M variety, showing that the selection of plants with a larger canopy volume would facilitate indirect selection of the trait essential oil yield. This correlation was not found for the 2/39x1V variety. In both varieties, there was a significant negative correlation between canopy volume and artemisinin content, which suggested that the selection of plants with a large canopy volume and a large number of branches should be avoided if the goal is to increase artemisinin content.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as correlações existentes entre caracteres agronômicos, fisiológicos e fitoquímicos em duas variedades de Artemisia annua e identificar correlações que possam ser utilizadas em processos de seleção e melhoramento da espécie. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado e os tratamentos foram às variedades 2/39x5x3M e 2/39x1V de Artemisia annua, submetidas a avaliações agronômicas, fisiológicas e fitoquímicas. A relação existente entre os caracteres estudados foi estimada através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e o nível de significância das correlações pelo teste t, realizadas no programa Genes. Encontrou-se correlação positiva e significativa entre os caracteres volume de dossel e rendimento de óleo essencial na variedade 2/39x5x3M, evidenciando que a seleção de plantas com maior volume de dossel possibilitaria a seleção indireta para o cárater rendimento de óleo essencial. Esta correlação não foi encontrada na variedade 2/39x1V. Em ambas as variedades, observou-se correlação negativa e significativa entre volume de dossel e teor de artemisinina indicando que deve-se evitar a seleção de plantas com grande volume de dossel e número de ramificações, se o interesse do melhoramento for maior teor de artemisinina.

Artesunate + amodiaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Colombian Pacific region: a noninferiority trial / Artesunato + amodiaquina versus artemether-limefantrina para o tratamento da malaria não complicada por Plamodium falciparum no Pacifico Colombiano: um estudo de não inferioridade

INTRODUCTION: In Colombia, there are no published studies for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria comparing artemisinin combination therapies. Hence, it is intended to demonstrate the non-inferior efficacy/safety profiles of artesunate + amodiaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine treatments. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, open-label, noninferiority (Δ≤5%) clinical trial was performed in adults with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria using the 28‑day World Health Organization validated design/definitions. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either oral artesunate + amodiaquine or artemether-lumefantrine. The primary efficacy endpoint: adequate clinical and parasitological response; secondary endpoints: - treatment failures defined per the World Health Organization. Safety: assessed through adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients was included in each group: zero censored observations. Mean (95%CI - Confidence interval) adequate clinical and parasitological response rates: 100% for artesunate + amodiaquine and 99% for artemether-lumefantrine; the noninferiority criteria was met (Δ=1.7%). There was one late parasitological therapeutic failure (1%; artemether-lumefantrine group), typified by polymerase chain reaction as the MAD20 MSP1 allele. The fever clearance time (artesunate + amodiaquine group) was significantly shorter (p=0.002). Respectively, abdominal pain for artesunate + amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine was 1.9% and 3.8% at baseline (p=0.68) and 1% and 13.3% after treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria treatment with artesunate + amodiaquine is noninferior to the artemether-lumefantrine standard treatment. The efficacy/safety profiles grant further studies in this and similar populations.

INTRODUÇÃO: Na Colômbia não existem estudos publicados sobre o tratamento da malária não complicada por Plasmodium falciparum comparando as terapias combinadas com artemisinina. Destarte, quer se demonstrar a não inferioridade dos perfis de eficácia/segurança dos tratamentos com artesunato+amodiaquina versus artemeter-lumefantrina. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo clínico de não inferioridade (∆≤5%), aleatório, controlado, aberto, em adultos com malária não complicada por P. falciparum usando o desenho validado de 28 dias e os desenhos validados/definidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Os pacientes foram aleatorizados (1:1) para ambos artesunato+amodiaquina ou artemeter-lumefantrina orais. Critérios primários de eficácia: resposta clínica e parasitológica adequada; Criterios de eficácia secundários: as falhas de tratamento definidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A segurança: avaliada através de eventos adversos. RESULTADOS: Foram incursos 105 pacientes em cada grupo: zero observações censuradas. As taxas médias da resposta clínica e parasitológica adequada (95% IC - intervalo de confiança): 100% para artesunato+amodiaquina e 99% para artemeter-lumefantrina; atingiu-se o critério de não inferioridade (∆=1.7%). Houve uma falha terapêutica parasitológica tardia (1%; grupo artemeter-lumefantrina), caracterizada mediante reação em cadeia da polimerase como o alelo MAD20 MSP1. Tempo de remissão da febre (grupo artesunato+amodiaquina), foi significativamente mais curto (p=0.002). Dor abdominal, para artesunato+amodiaquina e artemeter-lumefantrina, respectivamente, 1.9% e 3.8% (p=0.68) na linha de base, 1% e 13.3% pós-tratamento (p<0.001). CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento com artesunato+amodiaquina da malária não complicada por P. falciparum é não inferior ao tratamento normal com artemeter-lumefantrina. Os perfis de eficácia/segurança justificam estudos adicionais nesta e outras populações semelhantes.

Effects of medication with ivermectin, chloroquine and artemether on plasma nitrate / nitrite levels in calves naturally infected with onchocerca gutturosa

In a comparative study involving the use of Ivermectin, Chloroquine and Artemether against Onchocerca gutturosa in calves, the plasma nitrate /nitrite concentration was measured. Following treatment and clearance of skin mf of O. gutturosa, the plasma nitrate/ nitrite concentrations, nor the stable end product of Nitric Oxide [NO] breakdown, rise significantly although it showed short peaks following reduction in dermal mf counts but no clear correlation was detected

Mieux prescrire les derrives de l'artemisinine

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Les accusations portees sur les ACT sont-elles fondees ?

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Clinical efficacy of chloroquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for Plasmodium vivax treatment in Thailand

Chloroquine remains the drug of choice for the treatment of vivax malaria in Thailand. Mixed infections of falciparum and vivax malaria are also common in South-East Asia. Laboratory confirmation of malaria species is not generally available. This study aimed to find alternative regimens for treating both malaria species by using falciparum antimalarial drugs. From June 2004 to May 2005, 98 patients with Plasmodium vivax were randomly treated with either artemether-lumefantrine (n = 47) or chloroquine (n = 51). Both treatments were followed by 15 mg of primaquine over 14 days. Adverse events and clinical and parasitological outcomes were recorded and revealed similar in both groups. The cure rate was 97.4% for the artemether-lumefantrine treated group and 100% for the chloroquine treated group. We concluded that the combination of artemether-lumefantrine and primaquine was well tolerated, as effective as chloroquine and primaquine, and can be an alternative regimen for treatment of vivax malaria especially in the event that a mixed infection of falciparum and vivax malaria could not be ruled out.

Randomized control trial of quinine and artesunate in complicated malaria.

OBJECTIVE: To study the comparative efficacy of the quinine and artesunate in complicated malaria in children. METHODS: All cases admitted to the Pediatrics ward of our hospital with clinical features of complicated malaria (WHO criteria) having asexual forms of P. falciparum in the peripheral smear, were included in the study. Relevant investigations were carried out for confirmation of diagnosis and to assess the prognosis. The patients were sub-grouped into 6 categories as per clinical presentations and each subgroup received alternatively either quinine or artesunate by systematic random sample method. Every odd number received quinine (Group-1) and every even number received artesunate (Group-2). 40 cases in each group were considered for the study and the data obtained were compiled and analyzed by suitable statistical tests. RESULTS: 80 children with complicated malaria enrolled in the present study, of which 48 were boys and 32 were girls. The mean age was 7.93+3.56 years. The most common presentations were fever, splenomegaly and altered sensorium. The CRT, FCT and PCT were significantly less in the artesunate group (50.4 +/- 31.49 hrs; 43.55 +/- 20.12 hrs, and 41.67 +/- 16.78 hrs respectively) as compared to the quinine group (70.15 +/- 17.56 hrs, 62.23 +/- 16.99 hrs, and 52.24 +/- 12.69 hrs respectively) ( p<0.05) No side effects were observed in the artesunate treated group. CONCLUSION: Artesunate is a much better drug than quinine in complicated malaria in terms of rapid coma resolution, fever clearance, parasite clearance and better tolerability.

Six-years monitoring the efficacy of the combination of artesunate and mefloquine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Plasmodium falciparum in Thailand is multi-drug resistant. In a previous study it was shown that artesunate and mefloquine were effective, as follow up, we monitored the efficacy of this regimen for six years. During 1997-2002, 516 adult male volunteer patients in Chanthaburi Province were enrolled (50 patients in the first year, 400 patients in 1998-2001 and 66 patients in 2002). The symptom complex and parasite count (thick blood film) were monitored on days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. The dosages used were artesunate (ATS) 150 mg and mefloquine (M) 750 mg at hour 0 and ATS 100 mg and M 500 mg at hour 24. Their ages ranged from 30-35 years and their mean body weights were 54-56 kg. The presenting symptoms were fever 100%, headache 97-100%, anorexia 78-90%, and nausea 28-40%. The geometric mean of parasitemia ranged from 7,357-12,750/mm3. Defervescence in one day was found in 42-76% of patients and 85-100% in 2 days. The sensitivity (S) ranged from 87-94% and RI resistance (recrudescence) ranged from 6-13%. Forty patients demonstrated RI type of response, 37 were cured after being retreated with the same dosage and another 3 patients were cured after the third course of treatment. The aggravated adverse effects included vomiting (8-20%), anorexia (1-41%) and diarrhea (0-16%). These side effects were mild and transient. The efficacy of the artesunate and mefloquine combination for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria was high. The RI type of response was possibly due to re-infection or multiple broods and not to drug resistance. The adverse effects of anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were mild and transient for mefloquine. The combination can be used as stand by treatment in areas of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria.