Placental malaria and low birth weight in pregnant women living in a rural area of Burkina Faso following the use of three preventive treatment regimens

Placental Parasitic Infections and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women Delivering at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania

Background

Placental parasitic infections continue to be a public health problem despite numerous interventions put in place. Placental parasitic infections reported are Toxoplasma, Trypanosome, Borrelia, Schistosoma, Hookworm and Plasmodia. The infections persist to cause poor pregnancy outcomes such as maternal anaemia, low birth weight and stillbirth. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pregnancy outcomes associated with placental parasitic infections at a tertiary hospital in northern Tanzania.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre between June and July 2016. Pregnant women were interviewed before delivery and additional information obtained from their medical files. Blood samples as well as placental material were collected from each mother. Malaria was tested using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT). A total of 80 placental slide sections were made following histological protocols. After staining, slide sections were examined for the presence of parasites microscopically. Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for differences between groups.

Results

Placental malaria parasites were found on histological examination of 8(10%) mothers' placental sections, none of whom had a positive mRDT. Education status was significantly associated with placental malaria (p=0.035). Stillbirth, maternal anaemia and pre-eclampsia were significantly associated with placenta malaria (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Placental malaria was found to be prevalent in the studied population and was associated with stillbirth, maternal anaemia and pre-eclampsia. Efforts for developing malaria tests that will detect subclinical infections are needed in order to identify infections early and offer prompt treatment to prevent poor pregnant outcomes.

Impact of Health Systems on the Implementation of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria in Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Synthesis

Malaria in pregnancy is a public health challenge with serious negative maternal and newborn consequences. Intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended for the control of malaria during pregnancy within endemic areas, but coverage for the recommended ≥3 doses IPTp regimen has remained suboptimal. We searched PubMed, Cochrane library, and HINARI database from 1 January 2010 to 23 May 2020, for studies investigating the effect of the health system on IPTp implementation. Data extraction was independently performed by two investigators and evaluated for quality and content. Health system barriers and facilitators were explored using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. Thirty-four out of 1032 screened articles were included. Key health system issues affecting the provision and uptake of IPTp were the ambiguity of policy and guidelines for IPTp administration, human resource shortages, drug stock-outs, conflicting policy implementation on free IPTp provision, hidden costs, unclear data recording and reporting guidelines, and poor quality of care. Factors affecting the supply and demand for IPTp services involve all pillars of the health system across different countries. The success of health programs such as IPTp will thus depend on how well the different pillars of the health system are articulated towards the success of each program.

Global prevalence of congenital malaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to pool the prevalence of congenital malaria.

STUDY DESIGN

The guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was strictly followed. The published studies were searched in international and national databases. Quality assessment for studied was performed using the modified Newcastle - Ottawa scale. Pooled Meta logistic regression was computed using OpenMeta Analyst software. The heterogeneity was explored by the subgroup and meta-regression method.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies enrolling 8148 newborns were conducted. All the studies were high-quality studies. The prevalence of congenital malaria ranged from 0.0 % in Colombia to 46.7 % in Nigeria. The overall prevalence of congenital malaria was 6.9 % (95 % CI: 4.8-7.9 %) (562/8148). There was large heterogeneity in prevalence of congenital malaria estimates among the different settings (I² = 96.1 %). Hence the random effect model was used. In subgroup analyses, with respect to the type of malaria transmission, the prevalence of congenital malaria was significantly higher in areas characterized by unstable malaria transmission vs. the rate in areas with stable malaria transmission [16.8 % (95 % CI: 8.0-25.6 %) vs. 3.5 % (95 % CI: 2.3-4.6 %), Coefficient = 0.111; P = 0.035]. The results of additional sub- group (meta-regression) analyses showed a non-significant difference in prevalence of congenital malaria in study-sample sizes (Coefficient = -0.001, 95 % CI: -0.001 to 0.001), P-value = 0.534) and year of publication (C = -0.005; 95 % CI: -0.016 to 0.006), P-value = 0.369).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed a varied prevalence of congenital malaria across endemic areas and it was higher in areas with unstable malaria transmissions.

Malaria-Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Guinea

Introduction

Malaria is the leading cause of consultation in Guinea health facilities. During pregnancy, it remains a major health concern causing considerable risks for mother, fetus, and newborn. However, little is known about the epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women in Guinea. We aimed to provide information on malaria-associated factors in parturients.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional survey in two regional hospitals and two district hospitals. 1000 parturients and their newborns were surveyed. All patients were interviewed, and thick and thin blood smears were examined. To determine the predictive factors of malaria in parturients, the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was first performed by using peripheral and placental malaria as dependent variables and sociodemographic and antenatal characteristics as independent variables; then, explanatory profile variables or clusters from these trees were included in the logistic regression models.

Results

We found 157 (15.8%) and 148 (14.8%) cases of peripheral and placental malaria, respectively. The regular use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) before delivery was 53.8%, and only 35.5% used sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses ≥3. Factors significantly associated with malaria were as follows: women from Forécariah and Guéckédou who did not regularly use LLINs and accomplished less than four antenatal care visits (ANC <4) and primigravid and paucigravid women who did not regularly use LLINs. Similarly, the odds of having malaria infection were significantly higher among women who had not regularly used LLINs and among primigravid and paucigravid women who had regularly used LLINs compared to multigravida women who had regularly used LLINs.

Conclusion

This study showed that pregnant women remain particularly vulnerable to malaria; therefore, strengthening antenatal care visit strategies by emphasizing on promoting the use of LLINs and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, sexual education about early pregnancies, and family or community support during first pregnancies might be helpful.

Adherence to antimalarial drug policy among doctors in Delta State, Nigeria: implications for malaria control

BACKGROUND

Malaria is a public health problem compounded with a widespread emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum which necessitated the formulation of a new antimalarial drug policy (AMP).

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess adherence to the policy among physicians in health facilities in Delta state, Nigeria.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, analytic study. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire.

SETTING

Two secondary and one tertiary health facilities in Delta State, Nigeria.

PARTICIPANTS

Physicians selected with a simple random technique from the facilities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prescribing pattern of antimalarial drugs and adherence to WHO treatment guideline among doctors.

RESULTS

Majority (90.8%) of respondents believed the antimalarial policy (AMP) should be strictly adhered to, although three-fifth (61.0%) of them rated its performance as poor. The level of adherence to the national antimalarial drug policy was high (78.5%) as most doctors prescribed Arthemeter-Lumefantrine, AL for uncomplicated malaria however barely two-fifth (35.4%) adhered to prescribing injectable Artesunate for complicated malaria. AL, (71.9%) was the most prescribed antimalarial drug for uncomplicated malaria The most prescribed antimalarial drugs for complicated malaria was artesunate (40.0%) followed by quinine (27.6%) and artemether (26.7%); although, chloroquine was also prescribed.

CONCLUSION

The level of adherence to AMP among doctors was sub-optimal. Continuous education of doctors on the new AMP is needed to achieve malarial control.

FUNDING

No funding was received for this study.

Socio-demographic and regional disparities in utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy - Nigeria demographic health survey 2013

Introduction

malaria in pregnancy can lead to medical emergencies. Utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for prevention of malaria in pregnancy with Sulphadoxine- Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) has remained low in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to identify the factors determining uptake of IPTp-SP in Nigeria using the 2013 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey.

Methods

we conducted a secondary analysis of data extracted from the National Demographic Health Survey 2013 which used a three stage stratified sampling method to select respondents. Independent variables considered were age, marital status, the level of education of respondents and their spouses, region, location of residence, wealth-index and birth order. The dependent variable was the use of two or more doses of SP for IPTp in the two years before the survey. Descriptive statistics for socio-demographic and selected characteristics was done. Chi-square test was used to test associations between sociodemographic characteristics and IPTp-SP uptake. Multiple logistic regressions at 95% confidence interval were used to determine predictors of IPTp utilization using STATA version14 software.

Results

of the 38,948 women interviewed 12,473 (32%) had given birth two years preceding the survey and 15% used at least two doses of SP for IPTp. Women aged 30 years and above [aOR 1.4, C.I:1.1-1.7], in the middle class or higher wealth index [aOR 1.5, CI: 1.1-2.0], with two or more ANC visits [aOR 4.2, CI: 1.4 - 12.5], were more likely to use IPTp.

Conclusion

late initiation of IPTp after the second trimester was a contributory factor for poor SP utilization. Interventions targeted at ensuring pregnant women attend ANC and use of IPTp-SP after quickening should be promoted.

A brief review on features of falciparum malaria during pregnancy

Malaria in pregnancy is a serious public health problem in tropical areas. Frequently, the placenta is infected by accumulation of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the intervillous space. Falciparum malaria acts during pregnancy by a range of mechanisms, and chronic or repeated infection and co-infections have insidious effects. The susceptibility of pregnant women to malaria is due to both immunological and humoral changes. Until a malaria vaccine becomes available, the deleterious effects of malaria in pregnancy can be avoided by protection against infection and prompt treatment with safe, effective antimalarial agents; however, concurrent infections such as with HIV and helminths during pregnancy are jeopardizing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaria during Pregnancy

One hundred and twenty-five million women in malaria-endemic areas become pregnant each year (see Dellicour et al. PLoS Med7: e1000221 [2010]) and require protection from infection to avoid disease and death for themselves and their offspring. Chloroquine prophylaxis was once a safe approach to prevention but has been abandoned because of drug-resistant parasites, and intermittent presumptive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, which is currently used to protect pregnant women throughout Africa, is rapidly losing its benefits for the same reason. No other drugs have yet been shown to be safe, tolerable, and effective as prevention for pregnant women, although monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine has shown promise for reducing poor pregnancy outcomes. Insecticide-treated nets provide some benefits, such as reducing placental malaria and low birth weight. However, this leaves a heavy burden of maternal, fetal, and infant morbidity and mortality that could be avoided. Women naturally acquire resistance to Plasmodium falciparum over successive pregnancies as they acquire antibodies against parasitized red cells that bind chondroitin sulfate A in the placenta, suggesting that a vaccine is feasible. Pregnant women are an important reservoir of parasites in the community, and women of reproductive age must be included in any elimination effort, but several features of malaria during pregnancy will require special consideration during the implementation of elimination programs.

Association of placental Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia with maternal and newborn outcomes in the periurban area of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

The prevalence of placental malaria and its impact on maternal and newborn outcomes have been poorly documented in periurban settings of Burkina Faso. Peripheral and placental blood from 320 mothers, and cord blood from their newborns were collected through a cross-sectional study and used to prepare thick and thin blood films. Maternal haemoglobin concentration and birthweight were also measured. The overall malaria parasitaemia prevalence in peripheral, placental and cord blood was of 17·2, 9·1 and 0·9%, respectively.Plasmodium falciparumwas the sole species found in all cases and the mean parasite density in placental blood was 4·5 ± 0·8 parasitesµL−1. Primigravida (aOR: 3·5; 95% CI (1·1–11·2)) and women who did not use a bed net (aOR: 2·6; 95% CI (1·1–6·3)), were at higher odds of placental malaria infection. Women with placental parasitaemia were at increased odds of maternal anaemia (aOR: 3·1; 95% CI (1·3–7·4)). There was no odds difference for LBW between mothers with placental parasitaemia and those without. Placental malaria parasitaemia resulted in a significant mean birthweight reduction of 200 g. Placental malaria infection is higher in primigravida. Use of insecticide-treated bed nets should be therefore emphasized for primigravida during the first antenatal care visit.

Antimalarial drugs for preventing malaria during pregnancy and the risk of low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized trials

BACKGROUND

It is known that antimalarial drugs reduce the risk of low birth weight (LBW) in pregnant patients. However, a previous Cochrane review did not evaluate whether the level of antimalarial drug resistance could modify the protective effect of antimalarial drugs in this regard. In addition, no systematic review exists comparing current recommendations for malaria prevention during pregnancy to alternative regimens in Africa. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of antimalarial drugs for malaria prevention during pregnancy in reducing the risk of LBW.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for articles published up to 21 November 2014, in English or French, and identified additional studies from reference lists. We included randomized and quasi-randomized studies reporting LBW as one of the outcomes. We extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in selected studies. All pooled analyses were based on a random effect model, and we used a funnel plot and trim and fill method to test and adjust for publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria (37,981 subjects). Compared to no use, all combined antimalarial drugs were associated with a 27% (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.97, ten studies) reduction in the risk of LBW. The level of antimalarial drug resistance modified the protective effect of the antimalarial drug used for prevention of LBW during pregnancy. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was not associated with a reduction in the risk of LBW in regions where the prevalence of the dihydropteroate synthase 540E mutation exceeds 50% (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.80-1.22, three studies). The risk of LBW was similar when sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was compared to mefloquine (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.86-1.29, two studies).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic antimalarial drugs and specifically sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine may no longer protect against the risk of LBW in areas of high-level resistance. In Africa, there are currently no suitable alternative drugs to replace sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria prevention during pregnancy.

Prevalence and risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Background

Malaria during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible risk factors for malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at two primary health facilities in Bobo-Dioulasso.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional study from September to December 2010 in two primary health facilities located in the periurban area of Bobo-Dioulasso. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) were included in the study after signing informed consent. For each participant, the social-demographic profile, malaria and obstetric histories were investigated through a questionnaire. Peripheral blood was collected and thick and thin blood smears were prepared to check Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia. Hemoglobin concentration was measured. The associations between age, parity, gestational age, schooling, number of ANC visits, use of IPTp-SP, use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and anemia with the occurrence of P. falciparum malaria infection during pregnancy were analyzed through logistic regression.

Results

During the period of study, 105 (18.1%) out of 579 pregnant women were infected by P. falciparum. The hemoglobin concentration mean was 10.5 ± 1.7/dL and was significantly lower in pregnant women with malaria infection (9.8 g/dL ±1.6) than in those who had no malaria infection (10.6 g/dL ±1.7) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that, education (AOR 1.9, 95% CI = [1.2-3.2]), parity [primigravidae (AOR 5.0, 95% CI = [2.5-9.8]) and secundigravidae (AOR 2.1, 95% CI = [1.2-3.8])], and anaemia (AOR 2.1, 95% CI = [1.3-3.5]) were significantly associated with P. falciparum malaria infection. The use of IPTp-SP was not associated with P. falciparum malaria infection.

Conclusions

P. falciparum malaria infection is common in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic and anaemia is an important complication. The results show that the use of IPTp-SP does not reduce the risk of malaria incidence during pregnancy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0631-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Drugs for preventing malaria in pregnant women in endemic areas: any drug regimen versus placebo or no treatment

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy increases the risk of malaria and this is associated with poor health outcomes for both the mother and the infant, especially during the first or second pregnancy. To reduce these effects, the World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women living in malaria endemic areas sleep under insecticide-treated bednets, are treated for malaria illness and anaemia, and receive chemoprevention with an effective antimalarial drug during the second and third trimesters.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of malaria chemoprevention given to pregnant women living in malaria endemic areas on substantive maternal and infant health outcomes. We also summarised the effects of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) alone, and preventive regimens for Plasmodium vivax.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and reference lists up to 1 June 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of any antimalarial drug regimen for preventing malaria in pregnant women living in malaria-endemic areas compared to placebo or no intervention. In the mother, we sought outcomes that included mortality, severe anaemia, and severe malaria; anaemia, haemoglobin values, and malaria episodes; indicators of malaria infection, and adverse events. In the baby, we sought foetal loss, perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality; preterm birth and birthweight measures; and indicators of malaria infection. We included regimens that were known to be effective against the malaria parasite at the time but may no longer be used because of parasite drug resistance.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors applied inclusion criteria, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Dichotomous outcomes were compared using risk ratios (RR), and continuous outcomes using mean differences (MD); both are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventeen trials enrolling 14,481 pregnant women met our inclusion criteria. These trials were conducted between 1957 and 2008, in Nigeria (three trials), The Gambia (three trials), Kenya (three trials), Mozambique (two trials), Uganda (two trials), Cameroon (one trial), Burkina Faso (one trial), and Thailand (two trials). Six different antimalarials were evaluated against placebo or no intervention; chloroquine (given weekly), pyrimethamine (weekly or monthly), proguanil (daily), pyrimethamine-dapsone (weekly or fortnightly), and mefloquine (weekly), or intermittent preventive therapy with SP (given twice, three times or monthly). Trials recruited women in their first or second pregnancy (eight trials); only multigravid women (one trial); or all women (eight trials). Only six trials had adequate allocation concealment.For women in their first or second pregnancy, malaria chemoprevention reduces the risk of moderate to severe anaemia by around 40% (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.75; three trials, 2503 participants, high quality evidence), and the risk of any anaemia by around 17% (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.93; five trials,, 3662 participants, high quality evidence). Malaria chemoprevention reduces the risk of antenatal parasitaemia by around 61% (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58; seven trials, 3663 participants, high quality evidence), and two trials reported a reduction in febrile illness (low quality evidence). There were only 16 maternal deaths and these trials were underpowered to detect an effect on maternal mortality (very low quality evidence).For infants of women in their first and second pregnancies, malaria chemoprevention probably increases mean birthweight by around 93 g (MD 92.72 g, 95% CI 62.05 to 123.39; nine trials, 3936 participants, moderate quality evidence), reduces low birthweight by around 27% (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.87; eight trials, 3619 participants, moderate quality evidence), and reduces placental parasitaemia by around 46% (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.69; seven trials, 2830 participants, high quality evidence). Fewer trials evaluated spontaneous abortions, still births, perinatal deaths, or neonatal deaths, and these analyses were underpowered to detect clinically important differences.In multigravid women, chemoprevention has similar effects on antenatal parasitaemia (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.50; three trials, 977 participants, high quality evidence)but there are too few trials to evaluate effects on other outcomes.In trials giving chemoprevention to all pregnant women irrespective of parity, the average effects of chemoprevention measured in all women indicated it may prevent severe anaemia (defined by authors, but at least < 8 g/L: RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.75; two trials, 1327 participants, low quality evidence), but consistent benefits have not been shown for other outcomes.In an analysis confined only to intermittent preventive therapy with SP, the estimates of effect and the quality of the evidence were similar.A summary of a single trial in Thailand of prophylaxis against P. vivax showed chloroquine prevented vivax infection (RR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.20; one trial, 942 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Routine chemoprevention to prevent malaria and its consequences has been extensively tested in RCTs, with clinically important benefits on anaemia and parasitaemia in the mother, and on birthweight in infants.

Creative solutions to extraordinary challenges in clinical trials: methodology of a phase III trial of azithromycin and chloroquine fixed-dose combination in pregnant women in Africa

Background

Malaria in pregnancy is one of the most common preventable causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent its adverse effects, such as maternal anaemia, placental parasitaemia and low birth weight (LBW) neonates, the World Health Organization recommends effective malaria case management, use of insecticide-treated bed nets and intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy (IPTp). Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has been the standard for IPTp in several countries, but parasite resistance to SP is growing. Therefore, new IPTp therapies are urgently needed. One candidate being evaluated for IPTp is a fixed-dose combination of azithromycin and chloroquine (AZCQ). This paper describes the challenges and the innovative solutions implemented in designing and conducting a pivotal AZCQ-IPTp trial, sponsored by Pfizer Inc and co-funded by Pfizer Inc and the Medicines for Malaria Venture.

Methods

The AZCQ-IPTp pivotal trial is a multicentre, multicountry, phase III, open-label, randomized superiority study of AZCQ-IPTp versus SP-IPTp in pregnant women of sub-Saharan Africa. The trial was designed to meet stringent regulatory agency scientific advice and IPTp policy makers’ recommendations, and incorporates an innovative adaptive design to manage programme risk, maintain the operating characteristics of the study and optimize resources. The trial’s novel composite primary endpoint is the proportion of participants with a suboptimal pregnancy outcome (abortion [≤28 weeks], stillbirths [>28 weeks], premature [<37 weeks] deliveries, LBW [<2,500 g] live neonates, missing neonatal birth weight data or loss to follow-up). The study employs a prospective group sequential design with three unblinded analyses when 50%, 70% and 100% of participants achieve the primary endpoint; the study team will remain blinded to the analyses until after the completion of the study. The number of participants randomized will be adaptive, based on the blinded review of the observed pooled primary endpoint data across the two treatment arms, when approximately 1,000 participants complete the primary endpoint assessments.

Results

This study is ongoing and expected to complete in 2014.

Conclusion

This report describes the unique challenges and innovative solutions implemented in designing and conducting this pivotal AZCQ-IPTp trial, which may serve as a prototype for future IPTp and other studies involving similar conditions.

A systematic review of the impact of malaria prevention in pregnancy on low birth weight and maternal anemia

BACKGROUND

Malaria in pregnancy is a significant contributor to adverse pregnancy outcome, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention with sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) during pregnancy has been recommended in malaria-endemic areas but concerns remain about its benefit.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between recommended preventative SP programs in pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW) and maternal anemia through available clinical trial, observational, and programmatic evaluation studies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Systematic review of published studies on malaria in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Clinical studies from Sub-Saharan Africa from the past 10 years were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

English articles published since 2002 and listed in PubMed were identified using defined keywords, and their source documents were reviewed. Thirty-three studies involving malaria in pregnancy that recorded treatment rates and birth outcomes were included.

MAIN RESULTS

SP use among primigravidae was consistently associated with decreased LBW and anemia rates in clinical trials. Effects were less consistent in observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Although randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of SP, studies evaluating scale-up programs found less consistent reductions in LBW and maternal anemia. Additional strategies to improve SP coverage may reduce the LBW and maternal anemia associated with malaria in pregnancy.

Antigen persistence of rapid diagnostic tests in pregnant women in Nanoro, Burkina Faso, and the implications for the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate persistence of several Plasmodium antigens in pregnant women after treatment and compare diagnostics during treatment follow-up.

METHODS

Thirty-two pregnant women (N = 32) with confirmed malaria infection by a histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy were followed for 28 days after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). A Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH)-based RDT and two ELISAs based on the detection of dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and haeme detoxification protein (HDP) were compared with each other and to RT-PCR at each visit.

RESULTS

The mean visit number (95% confidence interval) on which the HRP2-based RDT was still positive after treatment was 3.4 (2.7-4.1) visits with some patients still positive at day 28. This is significantly later than the pLDH-based RDT [0.84 (0.55-1.1)], microscopy (median 1, range 1-3), DHFR-TS-ELISA [1.7 (1.1-2.3)] and RT-PCR (median 2, range 1-5) (P < 0.05), but not significantly later than HDP-ELISA [2.1 (1.6-2.7)]. Lower gravidity and higher parasite density at day 0 resulted in significantly longer positive results with most tests (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HRP2 can persist up to 28 days after ACT treatment; therefore, this test is not suitable for treatment follow-up in pregnant women and can generate problems when using this test during intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp). DHFR-TS is less persistent than HRP2, making it a potentially interesting target for diagnosis.

An analysis of timing and frequency of malaria infection during pregnancy in relation to the risk of low birth weight, anaemia and perinatal mortality in Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

A prospective study aiming at assessing the effect of adding a third dose sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to the standard two-dose intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women was carried out in Hounde, Burkina Faso, between March 2006 and July 2008. Pregnant women were identified as earlier as possible during pregnancy through a network of home visitors, referred to the health facilities for inclusion and followed up until delivery.

METHODS

Study participants were enrolled at antenatal care (ANC) visits and randomized to receive either two or three doses of SP at the appropriate time. Women were visited daily and a blood slide was collected when there was fever (body temperature > 37.5°C) or history of fever. Women were encouraged to attend ANC and deliver in the health centre, where the new-born was examined and weighed. The timing and frequency of malaria infection was analysed in relation to the risk of low birth weight, maternal anaemia and perinatal mortality.

RESULTS

Data on birth weight and haemoglobin were available for 1,034 women. The incidence of malaria infections was significantly lower in women having received three instead of two doses of SP. Occurrence of first malaria infection during the first or second trimester was associated with a higher risk of low birth weight: incidence rate ratios of 3.56 (p < 0.001) and 1.72 (p = 0.034), respectively. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, the risk remained significantly higher for the infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.07, p = 0.002). The risk of maternal anaemia and perinatal mortality was not associated with the timing of first malaria infection.

CONCLUSION

Malaria infection during first trimester of pregnancy is associated to a higher risk of low birth weight. Women should be encouraged to use long-lasting insecticidal nets before and throughout their pregnancy.

Comparative efficacy of uncontrolled and controlled intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) with combined use of LLTNs in high resistance area to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Côte d'Ivoire

Introduction

In recent years, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) has become policy in much of sub-Saharan Africa. But resistance to SP has been spreading across sub-Saharan Africa and thus the effectiveness of IPTp-SP has been questioned. The present study therefore sought to assess the incidence of placental malaria, low birth weight, and anemia of two IPTp-SP approaches (directly observed treatment scheme versus no directly observed treatment) in Anonkoua-Kouté and Samo, Côte d’Ivoire where the reported prevalence of dfr single mutant 108 was 62% and 52.2%, respectively.

Methods

The study was a longitudinal design involving pregnant women and was conducted in Anonkoua-Kouté, a suburban area, and Samo, a rural area, from January 2008 through March 2009. Women of a pregnancy less than 28 weeks duration were randomized to receive SP (1.5 g/0.075 g SP) in a single intake twice and were followed up monthly until delivery. Doses were administered under supervision in the controlled IPTp group, while SP was given free to women in the uncontrolled IPTp group with a recommendation to take it at home. The primary end point was the proportion of low birth weight infants (body weight < 2500 g) and the secondary end point was the rate of severe anemia and placental malaria detected at delivery.

Results

A total of 420 pregnant women were enrolled (212 and 208, respectively, in the controlled and uncontrolled groups). Delivery outcome was available for 378 women. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, low birth weight infants were born from 15.5% of women of the uncontrolled IPTp group and from 11.9% of women in the controlled IPTp group (P = 0.31). The per-protocol population analysis showed consistent results. The proportion of women with placental malaria infection, moderate anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL), and severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL) at delivery were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The study showed that the two approaches were equivalent, suggesting that unsupervised IPTp-SP free of charge should be used in areas where implementation of the directly observed treatment scheme suffers from many constraints.

Transplacental Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in a Highly Malaria Endemic Area of Burkina Faso

Malaria congenital infection constitutes a major risk in malaria endemic areas. In this study, we report the prevalence of transplacental malaria in Burkina Faso. In labour and delivery units, thick and thin blood films were made from maternal, placental, and umbilical cord blood to determine malaria infection. A total of 1,309 mother/baby pairs were recruited. Eighteen cord blood samples (1.4%) contained malaria parasites (Plasmodium falciparum). Out of the 369 (28.2%) women with peripheral positive parasitemia, 211 (57.2%) had placental malaria and 14 (3.8%) had malaria parasites in their umbilical cord blood. The umbilical cord parasitemia levels were statistically associated with the presence of maternal peripheral parasitemia (OR = 9.24, P ≪ 0.001), placental parasitemia (OR = 10.74, P ≪ 0.001), high-density peripheral parasitemia (OR = 9.62, P ≪ 0.001), and high-density placental parasitemia (OR = 4.91, P = 0.03). In Burkina Faso, the mother-to-child transmission rate of malaria appears to be low.

Coverage of intermittent prevention treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine among pregnant women and congenital malaria in Côte d'Ivoire

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) to prevent malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Data on IPT-SP coverage and factors associated with placental malaria parasitaemia and low birth weight (LBW) are scarce in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods

A multicentre, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Côte d'Ivoire from March to September 2008 at six urban and semi-urban antenatal clinics. Standardized forms were used to collect the demographic information and medical histories of women and their offspring. IPT-SP coverage (≥2 doses) as well as placental and congenital malaria prevalence parasitaemia were estimated. Regression logistics were used to study factors associated with placental malaria and LBW (birth weight of alive babies < 2,500 grams).

Results

Overall, 2,044 women with a median age of 24 years were included in this study. Among them 1017 (49.8%) received ≥2 doses of IPT-SP and 694 (34.0%) received one dose. A total of 99 mothers (4.8%) had placental malaria, and of them, four cases of congenital malaria were diagnosed. Factors that protected from maternal placental malaria parasitaemia were the use of one dose (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.32; 95%CI: 0.19-0.55) or ≥2 doses IPT-SP (aOR: 0.18; 95%CI: 0.10-0.32); the use of ITNs (aOR: 0.47; 95%CI: 0.27-0.82). LBW was associated with primigravidity and placental malaria parasitaemia.

Conclusion

IPT-SP decreases the rate of placental malaria parasitaemia and has a strong dose effect. Despite relatively successful IPT-SP coverage in Côte d'Ivoire, substantial commitments from national authorities are urgently required for such public health campaigns. Strategies, such as providing IPT-SP free of charge and directly observing treatment, should be implemented to increase the use of IPT-SP as well as other prophylactic methods.

Malaria in pregnancy: the difficulties in measuring birthweight

Recommendations for interventions to control malaria in pregnancy are often based on studies using birthweight as the primary endpoint. Differences in birthweight may be attributable partly to methodological difficulties. We performed a structured search of the literature using ‘malaria’, ‘pregnancy’ and ‘birth weight’ as search terms. Of the clinical trials reporting birthweight, only 33% (14/43) gave information about the timing of the measurement and details on the scales used. Seventy seven per cent explained how gestational age was estimated. We propose a standardised method for the measurement and reporting of birthweight in future studies.