Paediatrica Indonesiana (Apr 2010)
Comparison of the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine vs. artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria
Abstract
Background World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that countries with drug resistant malaria problem use combination therapies, especially artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). However, there is limited information on the efficacy of ACT in North Sulawesi. Objective To compare the efficacy of artemether-lumefanttine and artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). Methods This was a randomized experimental study, conducted in Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado from January until July 2009. There were 42 patients aged less than 13 years treated with artemether-lumefanttine and artesunate plus SP. Body temperature, parasite and gametocyte count were recorded every day until day 7 and follow-up reviews were done on day 14 and 28. Results Fever clearance time showed a significant difference between artemether-lumefanttine group (median 27 hours) and artesunate plus SP group (median 18 hours), P0.05) and game tocyte clearance time (P > 0. 05) . The 28 day cure rate were 100% in the two groups. No side effect was found. Conclusion Both artemether-lumefanttine and artesunate plus SP combination are effective and safe for the treatment of falciparum malaria in children.
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