Adverse Drug Reactions and Changes in Haematological and Clinical Chemistry to Two ACTs among Nigerian Children with Acute Uncomplicated Malaria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a global and frequently occurring medical emergency with increased cases of mortality annually. ADRs can occur with the use of all drugs including artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) which are currently the treatment of choice for acute uncomplicated malaria globally. Numerous doses of ACTs are administered daily in malaria endemic areas. AIMS: This study determined the incidence, pattern of presentation and factors associated with ADRs to two ACTs- artemisinin piperaquine (AP) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) among children with confirmed acute uncomplicated malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: Children aged 2-10 years enrolled into a larger study evaluating the safety and efficacy of artemisinin /piperaquine (AP) and artemether /lumefantrine (AL) using the WHO 28-day protocol were studied. Monitoring for ADR was based on history from the parent and /or child (for occurrences of treatment emergent signs and symptoms), physical examinations and abnormalities in laboratory investigations- full blood count, blood chemistry and liver function tests. Causality assessment for the ADR was by the Naranjo algorithm scale. RESULT: 108 of 114 (94.7%) children completed the study. Over half [61(56.5%] were males. The mean age of enrollees was 65.1±30.0 months. Day 28 adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) for AP was 96.1% and 90.4% for AL. Observed ADRs were cough, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, rash, irritability, insomnia and headache. The prevalence was similar in the two treatment groups (AL=14%, AP= 11%; ρ=1.000). The incidence of ADR to both ACTs was 12/1000 patients per day. All ADRs were mild and resolved spontaneously. No notable associated factor to ADR was detected in this study. CONCLUSION: Artemether-lumefantrine and Artemisinin piperaquine were found to be safe in the study population.