Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-mefloquine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Luang Namtha Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Journal article

The efficacy of the six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine was compared with the combination of artesunate and mefloquine in a randomised, comparative trial in Luang Namtha Province, Northern Laos. Of 1033 screened patients, 201 were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; 108 patients of all age groups (2-66 years) with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study, 100 of whom were followed-up for 42 days. Fifty-three patients received artemether-lumefantrine and 55 received artesunante-mefloquine. Both drug combinations induced rapid clearance of parasites and malaria symptoms; there was no significant difference in the initial therapeutic response parameters. Both regimes were well tolerated. After 42 days, cure rates were 93.6% (95% CI = 82.5-98.7%; 44 of 47 patients) for artemether-lumefantrine and 100% (95% CI = 93.3-100.0%; 53 of 53 patients) for artesunate-mefloquine. The results show the excellent efficacy and tolerability of both artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-mefloquine in Northern Laos.

Authors: Stohrer, J; Dittrich, S; Thongpaseuth, V; Vanisaveth, V; Phetsouvanh, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Tropical medicine and international health : TM and IH
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1175-1183
• Publication date: 2004-11-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01320.x
• EISSN: 1365-3156
• ISSN: 1360-2276
• Language: English
• Keywords: Biological Availability; Artemisinins; Adult; Antimalarials; Sesquiterpenes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Child, Preschool; Male; Humans; Parasitemia; Middle Aged; Korea; Mefloquine; Fluorenes; Acute Disease; Adolescent; Aged; Ethanolamines; Malaria, Falciparum; Child; Treatment Outcome