Risk factors for placental malaria and associated low birth weight in a rural high malaria transmission setting of Cote d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Placental malaria (PM) is associated with increased risk of both maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess risks factors associated with PM including intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayame hospital in the southern region of Cote d'Ivoire between August 2016 and March 2017. Sociodemographic baseline characteristic and antenatal data were obtained from the mother's antenatal card and included timing and number of IPTp-SP doses. Newborn characteristics were recorded.Peripheral blood as well as placental and cord blood were used to prepare thick and thin blood films. In addition, pieces of placental tissues were used to prepare impression smears. Regression logistics were used to study factors associated with PM and low birth weight (LBW) (<2.500 g). RESULTS: Three hundred delivered women were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the participants was 25 ± 6.5 years and most participants were multigravida (52.8%). The coverage rate of IPTp-SP with the full three doses recommended was 27.8%. Overall, 7.3% (22/300) of women examined had PM detected by microscopy using impression smear (22/300). Multivariate analysis showed that significant risks factors of PM were maternal peripheral parasitemia at delivery (P < 0.0001), residence (P = 0.03), and not sleeping under long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) (P = 0.006). LBW infants were born to 22.7% (5/22) of women with PM and 13.3% (37/278) of women without PM (P = 0.47). Only primiparous was associated with LBW in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PM was 7.3%. Low parity, residence and not using LLINs and maternal peripheral parasitemia were identified as risks factors. PM was associated with LBW. Implementation of IPTp-SP should be improved by the National Malaria Control Program in rural settings.

Open-label, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial of artesunate-amodiaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine fixed-dose combinations in children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of artemisinin resistance has raised concerns that the most potent anti-malarial drug may be under threat. Artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are, respectively, the first- and second-line treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Côte d'Ivoire. Constant monitoring by National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) of drug efficacy is an important tool in establishing rational anti-malarial drug policies in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: In an open label, randomized controlled clinical trial, children and adults were randomized to receive AS-AQ or AL. Both drug regimens were given for three days, and follow-up was for 42 days. The primary endpoint was the 42-day cure rate and was defined as proportion of patients with PCR-corrected cure rate after 42 days of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients who were attending the Anonkoua-koute (Abidjan), Petit Paris (Korhogo) and Libreville (Man) hospitals and presenting with symptomatic acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomized to receive AS-AQ (188) and AL (195). The intention-to-treat analysis showed effectiveness rates of 94.7% and 96.4% for AS-AQ and AL, respectively on day 42. After adjustment for PCR, these rates were 96.8% and 99%, respectively. At day 42, in per-protocol analysis, Adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) PCR uncorrected was 97.8% and 97.4% for AS-AQ and AL, respectively. The PCR adjusted ACPR was 100% for each combination and both regimens were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the high efficacy of AS-AQ in patients of all ages with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria and AS-AQ was non-inferior to AL. Continuous efficacy monitoring is recommended.

Coverage and efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine against malaria in pregnancy in Côte d'Ivoire five years after its implementation.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for sub-Saharan Africa a package of prompt and effective case-management combined with the delivery of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) and intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) through the national antenatal care (ANC) programs. Implemented in Côte d'Ivoire around 2005, few Data on IPTp coverage and efficacy in the country are available. METHODS: A multicentre, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Côte d'Ivoire from September 2009 to May 2010 at six urban and rural antenatal clinics. IPTp-sp coverage, Socio-economic and obstetrical data of mothers and neonate birth weights were documented. Peripheral blood as well as placental and cord blood were used to prepare thick and thin blood films. In addition, pieces of placental tissues were used to prepare impression smears and maternal haemoglobin concentration was measured. Regression logistics were used to study factors associated with placental malaria and LBW (<2.500 grams). RESULTS: A total of 1317 delivered women were enrolled with a median age of 26 years. A proportion of 43.28% of the women had received at least two doses of IPTsp during the current pregnancy although a high proportion (90.4%) of women received antenatal care and made enough visits (≥2). Variability in the results was observed depending on the type of area (rural/urban). Plasmodium falciparum was detected in the peripheral blood of 97 women (7.3%) and in the placenta of 119 women (9%). LBW infants were born to 18.8% (22/107) of women with placental malaria and 8.5% (103/1097) of women without placental malaria. LBW was associated with placental malaria. CONCLUSIONS: This study found relative low coverage of IPTp in the study areas which supported findings that high ANC attendance does not guarantee high IPTp coverage. Urgent efforts are required to improve service delivery of this important intervention.