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Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Kojom Foko LP, Ayina A, Tornyigah B, Epote AR, Penda IC, Epee Eboumbou P, Ebong SB, Texier G, Nsango SE, Ayong L, Tuikue Ndam N, Same Ekobo A. Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Pregnancy: Low Coverage and High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum dhfr-dhps Quintuple Mutants as Major Challenges in Douala, an Urban Setting in Cameroon. Pathogens 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 37375534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is a key component in the malaria control strategy implemented in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine IPTp-SP adherence and coverage, and the impact on maternal infection and birth outcomes in the context of widespread SP resistance in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Clinical and demographic information were documented among 888 pregnant women attending 3 health facilities, from the antenatal care visit to delivery. Positive samples were genotyped for P. falciparum gene (dhfr, dhps, and k13) mutations. The overall IPTp-SP coverage (≥three doses) was 17.5%, and 5.1% received no dose. P. falciparum prevalence was 16%, with a predominance of submicroscopic infections (89.3%). Malaria infection was significantly associated with locality and history of malaria, and it was reduced among women using indoor residual spraying. Optimal doses of IPTp-SP were significantly associated with reduced infection among newborns and women (secundiparous and multiparous), but there was no impact of IPTp-SP on the newborn bodyweight. Pfdhfr-Pfdhps quintuple mutants were over-represented (IRNI-FGKAA, IRNI-AGKAA), and sextuple mutants (IRNI-AGKAS, IRNI-FGEAA, IRNI-AGKGS) were also reported. The Pfk13 gene mutations associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected. This study highlights the role of ANC in achieving optimal SP coverage in pregnant women, the mitigated impact of IPTp-SP on malaria outcomes, and the high prevalence of multiple SP-resistant P. falciparum parasites in the city of Douala that could compromise the efficacy of IPTp-SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Mycology and Virology, Postgraduate Training Unit for Health Sciences, Postgraduate School for Pure and Applied Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | | | - Angèle Ayina
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Bernard Tornyigah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Annie Rachel Epote
- Haematology Laboratory, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Ida Calixte Penda
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Patricia Epee Eboumbou
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Pediatric Wards, Bonassama Hospital, Douala P.O. Box 9023, Cameroon
| | - Serge Bruno Ebong
- Animal Organisms Biology and Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Gaetan Texier
- UMR 257-Vecteurs, Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes-VITROME-IRD/SSA/AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Eveline Nsango
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Albert Same Ekobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
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Mama A, Ahiabor C, Tornyigah B, Frempong NA, Kusi KA, Adu B, Courtin D, Houzé S, Deloron P, Ofori MF, Anang AK, Ariey F, Ndam NT. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine and parasite resistance: cross-sectional surveys from antenatal care visit and delivery in rural Ghana. Malar J 2022; 21:107. [PMID: 35346205 PMCID: PMC8962208 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04124-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite decades of prevention efforts, the burden of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) remains a great public health concern. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), used as intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) is an important component of the malaria prevention strategy implemented in Africa. However, IPTp-SP is under constant threat from parasite resistance, thus requires regular evaluation to inform decision-making bodies. Methods In two malaria endemic communities in the Volta region (Adidome and Battor), a cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in pregnant women recruited at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit and at delivery. Basic clinical and demographic information were documented and their antenatal records were reviewed to confirm IPTp-SP adherence. Peripheral and placental blood were assayed for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). One hundred and twenty (120) positive samples were genotyped for mutations associated with SP resistance. Results At first ANC visit, P. falciparum prevalence was 28.8% in Adidome and 18.2% in Battor. At delivery, this decreased to 14.2% and 8.2%, respectively. At delivery, 66.2% of the women had taken at least the recommended 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP and there was no difference between the two communities. Taking at least 3 IPTp-SP doses was associated with an average birth weight increase of more than 360 g at both study sites compared to women who did not take treatment (p = 0.003). The Pfdhfr/Pfdhps quintuple mutant IRNI-A/FGKAA was the most prevalent (46.7%) haplotype found and the nonsynonymous Pfdhps mutation at codon A581G was higher at delivery among post-SP treatment isolates (40.6%) compared to those of first ANC (10.22%). There was also an increase in the A581G mutation in isolates from women who took 3 or more IPTp-SP. Conclusions This study confirms a positive impact following the implementation of the new IPTp-SP policy in Ghana in increasing the birth weight of newborns. However, the selection pressure exerted by the recommended 3 or more doses of IPTp-SP results in the emergence of parasites carrying the non-synonymous mutation on codon A581G. This constant selective pressure calls into question the time remaining for the clinical utility of IPTp-SP treatment during pregnancy in Africa.
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Labama Otuli N, Marini Djang'eing'a R, Losimba Likwela J, Bosenge Nguma JD, Maindo Alongo MA, Ahuka Ona Longombe A, Mbutu Mango B, M N Bono D, L Mokili J, Manga Okenge JP. Efficacy and safety of malarial prophylaxis with mefloquine during pregnancy in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo: A randomized clinical trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3115-3126. [PMID: 33398890 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Kisangani is an area with intense malaria transmission and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance. Alternative antimalaria prophylaxis medication and protocols are needed, particularly with pregnant individuals. In this study, we compare the tolerance and effectiveness of mefloquine regimen as a split dose with a meal vs. sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant individuals in Kisangani. METHODS This study was conducted from 15 May to 30 November 2019 as a single-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing 2 regimens of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy. The first regimen consisted of 4 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the second of 2 doses of mefloquine taken as a split dose with meal. RESULTS The occurrence of major or minor side-effects among patients treated with mefloquine and those treated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were not statistically significant (major side effects: Fisher exact = 0.5014; minor side effects: P = .0961). Intermittent preventive treatment using mefloquine significantly reduced the risk of placental malaria (risk ratio [RR]: 0.4315, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2201-0.8460), maternal peripheral parasitaemia (RR: 0.4397, 95% CI: 0.2377-0.8132) and low birth weight (RR: 0.4708, 95% CI: 0.2455-0.9029). CONCLUSION Splitting dose and intake with a meal increased mefloquine tolerability while keeping its efficacy higher compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy using mefloquine reduces the risk of placental malaria, maternal peripheral parasitaemia and low birth weight, compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Thus, mefloquine is a good alternative to intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noël Labama Otuli
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, 2012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Roland Marini Djang'eing'a
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012, Democratic Republic of Congo.,Laboratory of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, CIRM, Department of Pharmacy, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joris Losimba Likwela
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Didier Bosenge Nguma
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, 2012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Mike-Antoine Maindo Alongo
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, 2012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Albert Ahuka Ona Longombe
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Bernard Mbutu Mango
- Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - John L Mokili
- Viral Information Institute, Department of Biology, San Diego State University, Californie, USA
| | - Jean-Pascal Manga Okenge
- Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Kisangani University, Kisangani, 2012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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González R, Pons‐Duran C, Piqueras M, Aponte JJ, ter Kuile FO, Menéndez C. Mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 11:CD011444. [PMID: 30480761 PMCID: PMC6517148 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011444.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria for all women who live in moderate to high malaria transmission areas in Africa. However, parasite resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been increasing steadily in some areas of the region. Moreover, HIV-infected women on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis cannot receive sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine because of potential drug interactions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify alternative drugs for prevention of malaria in pregnancy. One such candidate is mefloquine. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women, specifically, to evaluate:• the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women; and• the impact of HIV status, gravidity, and use of insecticide-treated nets on the effects of mefloquine. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), the Malaria in Pregnancy Library, and two trial registers up to 31 January 2018. In addition, we checked references and contacted study authors to identify additional studies, unpublished data, confidential reports, and raw data from published trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing mefloquine IPT or mefloquine prophylaxis against placebo, no treatment, or an alternative drug regimen. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened all records identified by the search strategy, applied inclusion criteria, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. We contacted trial authors to ask for additional information when required. Dichotomous outcomes were compared using risk ratios (RRs), count outcomes as incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and continuous outcomes using mean differences (MDs). We have presented all measures of effect with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach for the following main outcomes of analysis: maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery, clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy, placental malaria, maternal anaemia at delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths, dizziness, and vomiting. MAIN RESULTS Six trials conducted between 1987 and 2013 from Thailand (1), Benin (3), Gabon (1), Tanzania (1), Mozambique (2), and Kenya (1) that included 8192 pregnant women met our inclusion criteria.Two trials (with 6350 HIV-uninfected pregnant women) compared two IPTp doses of mefloquine with two IPTp doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Two other trials involving 1363 HIV-infected women compared three IPTp doses of mefloquine plus cotrimoxazole with cotrimoxazole. One trial in 140 HIV-infected women compared three doses of IPTp-mefloquine with cotrimoxazole. Finally, one trial enrolling 339 of unknown HIV status compared mefloquine prophylaxis with placebo.Study participants included women of all gravidities and of all ages (four trials) or > 18 years (two trials). Gestational age at recruitment was > 20 weeks (one trial), between 16 and 28 weeks (three trials), or ≤ 28 weeks (two trials). Two of the six trials blinded participants and personnel, and only one had low risk of detection bias for safety outcomes.When compared with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, IPTp-mefloquine results in a 35% reduction in maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; 5455 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) but may have little or no effect on placental malaria infections (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.86; 4668 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). Mefloquine results in little or no difference in the incidence of clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.05, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence). Mefloquine decreased maternal anaemia at delivery (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.94; 5469 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Data show little or no difference in the proportions of low birth weight infants (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.17; 5641 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) and in stillbirth and spontaneous abortion rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.58; 6219 participants, 2 studies; I2 statistic = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). IPTp-mefloquine increased drug-related vomiting (RR 4.76, 95% CI 4.13 to 5.49; 6272 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) and dizziness (RR 4.21, 95% CI 3.36 to 5.27; participants = 6272, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence).When compared with cotrimoxazole, IPTp-mefloquine plus cotrimoxazole probably results in a 48% reduction in maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.93; 989 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and a 72% reduction in placental malaria (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.57; 977 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) but has little or no effect on the incidence of clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.76, 1 study; high-certainty evidence) and probably no effect on maternal anaemia at delivery (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.20; 1197 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), low birth weight rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.60; 1220 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and rates of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.98; 1347 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Mefloquine was associated with higher risks of drug-related vomiting (RR 7.95, 95% CI 4.79 to 13.18; 1055 participants, one study; high-certainty evidence) and dizziness (RR 3.94, 95% CI 2.85 to 5.46; 1055 participants, 1 study; high-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Mefloquine was more efficacious than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in HIV-uninfected women or daily cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected pregnant women for prevention of malaria infection and was associated with lower risk of maternal anaemia, no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes (such as stillbirths and abortions), and no effects on low birth weight and prematurity. However, the high proportion of mefloquine-related adverse events constitutes an important barrier to its effectiveness for malaria preventive treatment in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Clara Pons‐Duran
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mireia Piqueras
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - John J Aponte
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Feiko O ter Kuile
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolMerseysideUKL3 5QA
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
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Akinyotu O, Bello F, Abdus-Salam R, Arowojolu A. Comparative study of mefloquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria prevention among pregnant women with HIV in southwest Nigeria. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2018; 142:194-200. [PMID: 29719927 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of mefloquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive therapy for malaria among pregnant women with HIV. METHODS The present randomized, controlled, prospective, open-label study enrolled women with HIV who had reached at least 16 weeks of pregnancy attending prenatal clinics at secondary and tertiary health facilities in South West Nigeria between January 1 and August 31, 2016. Block randomization was used to assign patients to treatment with mefloquine or sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria prophylaxis. The primary outcome was malaria parasitemia at delivery. Data were compared with the χ2 and t tests on a per-protocol basis. RESULTS Of 142 women enrolled and randomized equally to each group, 131 (92.3%) completed the study (64 in the mefloquine group and 67 in the sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine group). Blood-sample malaria parasites were isolated from 6 (9%) and 5 (7%) patients in the mefloquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine groups, respectively, at enrolment, and 6 (9%) and 9 (13%) patients in the mefloquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine groups, respectively, at delivery; the differences between the groups was not significant at enrolment (P=0.693) or delivery (P=0.466). CONCLUSION Outcomes following prophylactic use of mefloquine for intermittent preventive therapy for malaria among pregnant women with HIV were comparable to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine treatment; mefloquine is a feasible alternative therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02524444.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriyomi Akinyotu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Folasade Bello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayodele Arowojolu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
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González R, Pons‐Duran C, Piqueras M, Aponte JJ, ter Kuile FO, Menéndez C. Mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 3:CD011444. [PMID: 29561063 PMCID: PMC5875065 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011444.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria for all women who live in moderate to high malaria transmission areas in Africa. However, parasite resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been increasing steadily in some areas of the region. Moreover, HIV-infected women on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis cannot receive sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine because of potential drug interactions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify alternative drugs for prevention of malaria in pregnancy. One such candidate is mefloquine. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women, specifically, to evaluate:• the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of mefloquine for preventing malaria in pregnant women; and• the impact of HIV status, gravidity, and use of insecticide-treated nets on the effects of mefloquine. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), the Malaria in Pregnancy Library, and two trial registers up to 31 January 2018. In addition, we checked references and contacted study authors to identify additional studies, unpublished data, confidential reports, and raw data from published trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing mefloquine IPT or mefloquine prophylaxis against placebo, no treatment, or an alternative drug regimen. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened all records identified by the search strategy, applied inclusion criteria, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. We contacted trial authors to ask for additional information when required. Dichotomous outcomes were compared using risk ratios (RRs), count outcomes as incidence rate ratios (IRRs), and continuous outcomes using mean differences (MDs). We have presented all measures of effect with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach for the following main outcomes of analysis: maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery, clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy, placental malaria, maternal anaemia at delivery, low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths, dizziness, and vomiting. MAIN RESULTS Six trials conducted between 1987 and 2013 from Thailand (1), Benin (3), Gabon (1), Tanzania (1), Mozambique (2), and Kenya (1) that included 8192 pregnant women met our inclusion criteria.Two trials (with 6350 HIV-uninfected pregnant women) compared two IPTp doses of mefloquine with two IPTp doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Two other trials involving 1363 HIV-infected women compared three IPTp doses of mefloquine plus cotrimoxazole with cotrimoxazole. One trial in 140 HIV-infected women compared three doses of IPTp-mefloquine with cotrimoxazole. Finally, one trial enrolling 339 of unknown HIV status compared mefloquine prophylaxis with placebo.Study participants included women of all gravidities and of all ages (four trials) or > 18 years (two trials). Gestational age at recruitment was > 20 weeks (one trial), between 16 and 28 weeks (three trials), or ≤ 28 weeks (two trials). Two of the six trials blinded participants and personnel, and only one had low risk of detection bias for safety outcomes.When compared with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, IPTp-mefloquine results in a 35% reduction in maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; 5455 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) but may have little or no effect on placental malaria infections (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.86; 4668 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). Mefloquine results in little or no difference in the incidence of clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.05, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence). Mefloquine decreased maternal anaemia at delivery (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.94; 5469 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Data show little or no difference in the proportions of low birth weight infants (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.17; 5641 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) and in stillbirth and spontaneous abortion rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.58; 6219 participants, 2 studies; I2 statistic = 0%; high-certainty evidence). IPTp-mefloquine increased drug-related vomiting (RR 4.76, 95% CI 4.13 to 5.49; 6272 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) and dizziness (RR 4.21, 95% CI 3.36 to 5.27; participants = 6272, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence).When compared with cotrimoxazole, IPTp-mefloquine plus cotrimoxazole probably results in a 48% reduction in maternal peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.93; 989 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and a 72% reduction in placental malaria (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.57; 977 participants, 2 studies; high-certainty evidence) but has little or no effect on the incidence of clinical malaria episodes during pregnancy (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.76, 1 study; high-certainty evidence) and probably no effect on maternal anaemia at delivery (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.20; 1197 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), low birth weight rates (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.60; 1220 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and rates of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.98; 1347 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Mefloquine was associated with higher risks of drug-related vomiting (RR 7.95, 95% CI 4.79 to 13.18; 1055 participants, one study; high-certainty evidence) and dizziness (RR 3.94, 95% CI 2.85 to 5.46; 1055 participants, 1 study; high-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Mefloquine was more efficacious than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in HIV-uninfected women or daily cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected pregnant women for prevention of malaria infection and was associated with lower risk of maternal anaemia, no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes (such as stillbirths and abortions), and no effects on low birth weight and prematurity. However, the high proportion of mefloquine-related adverse events constitutes an important barrier to its effectiveness for malaria preventive treatment in pregnant women.
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Key Words
- female
- humans
- pregnancy
- insecticide‐treated bednets
- abortion, spontaneous
- abortion, spontaneous/chemically induced
- abortion, spontaneous/epidemiology
- africa south of the sahara
- africa south of the sahara/epidemiology
- antimalarials
- antimalarials/adverse effects
- antimalarials/therapeutic use
- dizziness
- dizziness/chemically induced
- dizziness/epidemiology
- drug combinations
- drug therapy, combination
- hiv infections
- hiv infections/complications
- infant, low birth weight
- malaria
- malaria/epidemiology
- malaria/prevention & control
- mefloquine
- mefloquine/adverse effects
- mefloquine/therapeutic use
- parasitemia
- parasitemia/epidemiology
- pregnancy complications, parasitic
- pregnancy complications, parasitic/epidemiology
- pregnancy complications, parasitic/prevention & control
- pyrimethamine
- pyrimethamine/adverse effects
- pyrimethamine/therapeutic use
- randomized controlled trials as topic
- sulfadoxine
- sulfadoxine/adverse effects
- sulfadoxine/therapeutic use
- thailand
- thailand/epidemiology
- trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole drug combination
- trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole drug combination/therapeutic use
- vomiting
- vomiting/chemically induced
- vomiting/epidemiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Clara Pons‐Duran
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mireia Piqueras
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - John J Aponte
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Feiko O ter Kuile
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Hospital Clínic ‐ Universitat de BarcelonaISGlobalBarcelonaSpain
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