Artemisinin-Based Treatments for Malaria in Pregnant Women

In randomized trials, dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine had better efficacy in treating malaria in pregnancy than other artemisinin-based combinations. For prophylaxis, monthly dosing was superior to a three-dose regimen.

Malaria during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Two groups have now assessed contemporary treatment options in pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas.

In the multicenter, randomized, open-label PREGACT trial, researchers in four African countries compared four artemisinin-based regimens for treating 3428 pregnant women in the second or third trimester who had Plasmodium falciparum monoinfection. Drugs were donated by industry. Women received daily doses under direct observation on days 0, 1, and 2 and were followed until day 63. Samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyping to distinguish reinfection from recrudescence. The per-protocol, PCR-adjusted cure rates ranged from 95% to 99…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Artemisinin-Based Treatments for Malaria in Pregnant Women

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Reviewing Author