scholarly journals The use of ultrasensitive quantitative-PCR to assess the impact of primaquine on asymptomatic relapse of Plasmodium vivax infections: a randomized, controlled trial in Lao PDR

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koukeo Phommasone ◽  
Frank van Leth ◽  
Mallika Imwong ◽  
Gisela Henriques ◽  
Tiengkham Pongvongsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Radical Cure ◽  
Directly Observed Therapy ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Trials to assess the efficacy of the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria with 8-aminoquinolines require that most post-treatment relapses are identified, but there is no consensus on the optimal duration of follow-up in either symptomatic or asymptomatic vivax malaria. The efficacy of a 14-day course of primaquine on the cumulative incidence of recurrent asymptomatic P. vivax infections detected by ultrasensitive quantitative PCR (uPCR) as a primary endpoint was assessed. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial was conducted in four villages of the Lao PDR during 2016–2018 nested in a larger project evaluating mass drug administrations (MDA) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) and a single low-dose primaquine to clear Plasmodium falciparum infections. In the nested sub-study, eligible participants with mono- or mixed P. vivax infections detected by uPCR were randomized to receive either 14 days of primaquine (0.5 mg/kg/day) or placebo during the last round of MDA (round 3) through directly observed therapy. Participants were checked monthly for 12 months for parasitaemia using uPCR. The primary outcome was cumulative incidence of participants with at least one recurrent episode of P. vivax infection. Results 20 G6PD-normal participants were randomized in each arm. 5 (29%) of 20 participants in the placebo arm experienced asymptomatic, recurrent P. vivax infections, resulting in a cumulative incidence at month 12 of 29%. None of the 20 participants in the intervention arm had recurrent infections (p = 0.047 Fisher’s exact test). Participants with recurrent P. vivax infections were found to be parasitaemic for between one and five sequential monthly tests. The median time to recurrence of P. vivax parasitaemia was 178 days (range 62–243 days). Conclusions A 14-day course of primaquine in addition to a DP-MDA was safe, well-tolerated, and prevented recurrent asymptomatic P. vivax infections. Long follow-up for up to 12 months is required to capture all recurrences following the treatment of asymptomatic vivax infection. To eliminate all malarias in settings where P. vivax is endemic, a full-course of an 8-aminoquinolines should be added to MDA to eliminate all malarias. Trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT02802813 on 16th June 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02802813

scholarly journals Therapeutic Responses of Plasmodium vivax Malaria to Chloroquine and Primaquine Treatment in Northeastern Myanmar

2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 1230-1235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Yuan ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Daniel M. Parker ◽  
Bhavna Gupta ◽  
Zhaoqing Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Therapeutic Efficacy ◽  
Cumulative Risk ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Merozoite Surface Protein ◽  
Radical Cure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax Malaria

ABSTRACTChloroquine-primaquine (CQ-PQ) continues to be the frontline therapy for radical cure ofPlasmodium vivaxmalaria. Emergence of CQ-resistant (CQR)P. vivaxparasites requires a shift to artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), which imposes a significant financial, logistical, and safety burden. Monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of CQ is thus important. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of CQ-PQ forP. vivaxmalaria in northeast Myanmar. We recruited 587 patients withP. vivaxmonoinfection attending local malaria clinics during 2012 to 2013. These patients received three daily doses of CQ at a total dose of 24 mg of base/kg of body weight and an 8-day PQ treatment (0.375 mg/kg/day) commencing at the same time as the first CQ dose. Of the 401 patients who finished the 28-day follow-up, the cumulative incidence of recurrent parasitemia was 5.20% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04% to 7.36%). Among 361 (61%) patients finishing a 42-day follow-up, the cumulative incidence of recurrent blood-stage infection reached 7.98% (95% CI, 5.20% to 10.76%). The cumulative risk of gametocyte carriage at days 28 and 42 was 2.21% (95% CI, 0.78% to 3.64%) and 3.93% (95% CI, 1.94% to 5.92%), respectively. Interestingly, for all 15 patients with recurrent gametocytemia, this was associated with concurrent asexual stages. Genotyping of recurrent parasites at the merozoite surface protein 3α gene locus from 12 patients with recurrent parasitemia within 28 days revealed that 10 of these were the same genotype as at day 0, suggesting recrudescence or relapse. Similar studies in 70 patients in the same area in 2007 showed no recurrent parasitemias within 28 days. The sensitivity to chloroquine ofP. vivaxin northeastern Myanmar may be deteriorating.

Abstract P186: A Randomized Preschool Trial To Promote Cardiovascular Health In Colombia: 18 Month Follow Up.

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Céspedes ◽  
German Briceño ◽  
Michael Farkouh ◽  
Rajesh Vedanthan ◽  
Martha Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Educational programs for children can increase uptake of healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, the impact of educational programs in preschool-aged children in low- and middle-income countries is not known. We conducted a five month educational intervention in preschool facilities (PF) in Bogota, Colombia, to assess changes in preschooler’s knowledge, attitudes and habits (KAH) towards healthy eating and living an active lifestyle. Methods: We conducted a cluster, randomized, controlled trial, and randomly assigned 14 PF in Bogota to a five-month educational intervention (7 PF) or to usual curriculum (7 PF). The intervention included classroom activities and use of printed material and videos. A total of 1216 pre-school children, 928 parents, and 120 teachers participated. A structured survey was used to evaluate changes in KAH with a weighted total score (WTS). The primary outcome was change in children's WTS, and the secondary outcomes were change in parents’ and teachers' WTS. The control PF were provided the intervention after the initial evaluation. To assess sustainability, we evaluated both intervention and control groups at 18 months. Results: At 6 months, children in the intervention group showed 10.9% increase in WTS vs. 5.3% in controls, p<0.001, after adjustment for cluster, sex, age and teachers' educational level. Among parents, the equivalent results were 8.9% and 3.1%, respectively, p< 0.001, and among teachers 9.4% and 2.5%, p=0.06. At the 18-month extended follow-up, both the intervention and control children showed a significant further increase in WTS, p<0.001 (Figure 1). In parents and teachers in the intervened group, there was no significant increase in WTS, p=0.7417, and p=0.1197. In the control group, there was an increase in WTS in teachers but not in parents, p=0.001, and p=0.4239. Conclusion: A preschool based intervention, aimed at changing KAH related to healthy diet and active lifestyle, is feasible, efficacious and sustainable up to 18 months in very young children in Colombia.

scholarly journals A randomised controlled trial exploring the impact of a dedicated Health and Social Care Professionals team in the Emergency Department on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care for older adults: Study Protocol

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marica Cassarino ◽  
Katie Robinson ◽  
Íde O’Shaughnessy ◽  
Eimear Smalle ◽  
Stephen White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Effectiveness Of Care ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background : Older people are frequent Emergency Department (ED) users who present with complex issues that are linked to poorer health outcomes post-index visit, often have increased ED length of stay and tend to have raised healthcare costs. Encouraging evidence suggests that ED teams involving health and social care professionals (HSCPs) can contribute to enhanced patient flow and improved patient experience by improving care decision-making and thus promoting timely and effective care. However, the evidence supporting the impact of HSCPs teams assessing and intervening with older adults in the ED is limited and identifies important methodological limitations, highlighting the need for more robust and comprehensive investigations of this model of care. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a dedicated ED-based HSCP team on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care of older adults when compared to usual care. Methods : The study is a single-site randomised controlled trial whereby patients aged ≥65 years who present to the ED of a large Irish hospital will be randomised to the experimental group (ED-based HSCP assessment and intervention) or the control group (usual ED care). The recruitment target is 320 participants. The HSCP team will provide a comprehensive functional assessment as well as interventions to promote a safe discharge for the patient. The primary outcome is ED length of stay (from arrival to discharge). Secondary outcomes include: rates of hospital admissions from the ED, ED re-visits, unplanned hospital admissions and healthcare utilisation at 30-days, four and six-month follow-up; patient functional status and quality of life (at baseline and follow-up); patient satisfaction; costs-effectiveness in terms of costs associated with ED-based HSCP compared to usual care; and perceptions on implementation by ED staff members. Discussion : This is the first randomised controlled trial testing the impact of HSCPs working in teams in the ED on the quality, safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of care for older patients. The findings of the study will provide important information on the effectiveness of this model of care for future implementation. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03739515; registered on 12 th November 2018. Protocol version 1. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03739515

Effects of altitude and recombinant human erythropoietin on iron metabolism: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Breenfeldt Andersen ◽  
Thomas Christian Bonne ◽  
Jacob Bejder ◽  
Grace Jung ◽  
Tomas Ganz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Stress Erythropoiesis ◽  
Human Erythropoietin ◽  
The Impact

Current markers of iron deficiency (ID) such as ferritin and hemoglobin have shortcomings, and hepcidin and erythroferrone (ERFE) could be of clinical relevance in relation to early assessment of ID. Here, we evaluate whether exposure to altitude-induced hypoxia (2,320 m) alone, or in combination with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment, affects hepcidin and ERFE levels before alterations in routine ID biomarkers and stress erythropoiesis manifest. Two interventions were completed, each comprising a four-week baseline, a four-week intervention at either sea level or altitude, and a four-week follow-up. Participants (n=39) were randomly assigned to 20 IU·kg bw-1 rHuEPO or placebo injections every second day for three weeks during the two intervention periods. Venous blood was collected weekly. Altitude increased ERFE (P≤0.001) with no changes in hepcidin or routine iron biomarkers, making ERFE of clinical relevance as an early marker of moderate hypoxia. rHuEPO treatment at sea level induced a similar pattern of changes in ERFE (P<0.05) and hepcidin levels (P<0.05), demonstrating the impact of accelerated erythropoiesis and not of other hypoxia-induced mechanisms. Compared to altitude alone, concurrent rHuEPO treatment and altitude exposure induced additive changes in hepcidin (P<0.05) and ERFE (P≤0.001) parallel with increases in hematocrit (P<0.001), demonstrating a relevant range of both hepcidin and ERFE. A poor but significant correlation between hepcidin and ERFE was found (R2=0.13, P<0.001). The findings demonstrate that hepcidin and ERFE are more rapid biomarkers of changes in iron demands than routine iron markers. Finally, ERFE and hepcidin may be sensitive markers in an anti-doping context.

Treatment and outcome of intracranial ependymoma after first relapse in AIEOP 2 nd protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Massimino ◽  
Francesco Barretta ◽  
Piergiorgio Modena ◽  
Pascal Johann ◽  
Paolo Ferroli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Local Relapse ◽  
Salvage Treatment ◽  
Dose Fractionation ◽  
Molecular Subgroup ◽  
Intracranial Ependymoma ◽  
First Relapse ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background More than 40% of patients with intracranial ependymoma need a salvage treatment within 5 years after diagnosis, and no standard treatment is available as yet. We report the outcome after first relapse of 64 patients treated within the 2 nd AIEOP protocol. Methods We considered relapse sites and treatments ,i.e. various combinations of complete/incomplete surgery, if followed by standard or hypo-fractionated radiation(RT) ± chemotherapy(CT). Molecular analyses were available for 38/64 samples obtained at first diagnosis. Of the 64 cases, 55 were suitable for subsequent analyses. Results The median follow-up was 147 months after diagnosis, 84 after first relapse, 5-year EFS/OS were 26.2%/30.8% (median EFS/OS 13/32 months) after relapse. For patients with a local relapse(LR), the 5-year cumulative incidence of second LRs was 51.6%, with a 5-year event-specific probability of being LR-free of 40.0%. Tumor site/grade, need for shunting, age above/below 3 years, molecular subgroup at diagnosis, had no influence on outcomes. Due to variation in the RT dose/fractionation used and the subgroup sizes it was not possible to assess the impact of the different RT modalities. Multivariable analyses identified completion of surgery, absence of symptoms at relapse, and female sex as prognostically favorable. Tumors with a 1q gain carried a higher cumulative incidence of dissemination after first relapse. Conclusions Survival after recurrence was significantly influenced by symptoms and completeness of surgery. Only a homogeneous protocol with well posed, randomized questions could clarify the numerous issues, orient salvage treatment and ameliorate prognosis for this group of patients.

461Modulation of ischemic and bleeding risk by peripheral artery disease after an acute coronary syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Cespon Fernandez ◽  
S Raposeiras Roubin ◽  
E Abu-Assi ◽  
S Manzano-Fernandez ◽  
F Dascenzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Peripheral Artery Disease ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Peripheral Artery ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with heightened ischemic and bleeding risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). With this study from real-life patients, we try to analyze the balance between ischemic and bleeding risk during treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after an ACS according to the presence or not of PAD. Methods The data analyzed in this study were obtained from the fusion of 3 clinical registries of ACS patients: BleeMACS (2004–2013), CardioCHUVI/ARRITXACA (2010–2016) and RENAMI (2013–2016). All 3 registries include consecutive patients discharged after an ACS with DAPT and undergoing PCI. The merged data set contain 26,076 patients. A propensity-matched analysis was performed to match the baseline characteristics of patients with and without PAD. The impact of prior PAD in the ischemic and bleeding risk was assessed by a competitive risk analysis, using a Fine and Gray regression model, with death being the competitive event. For ischemic risk we have considered a new acute myocardial infarction (AMI), whereas for bleeding risk we have considered major bleeding (MB) defined as bleeding requiring hospital admission. Follow-up time was censored by DAPT suspension/withdrawal. Results From the 26,076 ACS patients, 1,600 have PAD (6.1%). Patients with PAD were older, and with more cardiovascular risk factors. DAPT with prasugrel/ticagrelor was less frequently prescribed in patients with PAD in comparison with the rest of the population (8.2% vs 22.8%, p<0.001). During a mean follow-up of 12.2±4.8 months, 964 patients died (3.7%), and 640 AMI (2.5%) and 685 MB (2.6%) were reported. After propensity-score matching, we obtained two matched groups of 1,591 patients. Patients with PAD showed a significant higher risk of both AMI (sHR 2.17, 95% CI 1.51–3.10, p<0.001) and MB (sHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07–2.12, p=0.018), in comparison with those without PAD. The cumulative incidence of AMI was 63.9 and 29.8 per 1,000 patients/year in patients with and without PAD, respectively. The cumulative incidence of MB was 55.9 and 37.6 per 1,000 patients/year in patients with and without PAD, respectively. The rate difference per 1,000 patient-years for AMI between patients with and without PAD was +34.1 (95% CI 30.1–38.1), and for MB +18.3 (16.1–20.4). The net balance between ischemic and bleeding events comparing patients with and without PAD was positive (+15.8 per 1,000 patients/year, 95% CI 9.7–22.0). Conclusions PAD was associated with higher ischemic and bleeding risk after hospital discharge for ACS treated with DAPT. However, the balance between ischemic and bleeding risk was positive for patients with PAD in comparison with patients without PAD. As summary, ACS patients with PAD had an ischemic risk greater than the bleeding risk.

scholarly journals HIV and other STIs self-testing to reduce risk compensation among men who have sex with men who use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in China: protocol for a randomised waitlist-controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036231
Author(s):  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Xiaojie Huang ◽  
Yaokai Chen ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Yonghui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Risk Compensation ◽  
Standard Facility ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men by up to 99%. However, in real-world settings, PrEP users may exhibit risk compensation after uptake of PrEP, including more condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. HIV self-testing (HIVST) decreases CAI among men who have sex with men (MSM) by providing awareness of the HIV status of oneself and one’s sexual partners. Here, we describe the rationale and design of a randomised waitlist-controlled trial to examine the impact of HIVST on risk compensation among PrEP users.Methods and analysisThe study is a two-arm randomised waitlist-controlled trial with 1000 HIV-negative MSM in four major cities in China who will be taking oral PrEP (involving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine) either daily (n=500) or in an event-driven regimen (n=500). The participants will be randomised (1:1) to either the immediate HIVST intervention arm (HIVST plus standard facility-based counselling and testing from 0 to 12 months) or the waitlist arm (standard facility-based counselling and testing from 0 to 6 months, then crossover to receive the HIVST intervention in months 7–12). Participants will provide blood samples to assess the incidence of syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) during a follow-up. The primary outcomes will be the occurrence of CAI, number of sexual partners and incidence of syphilis and HSV-2 during a follow-up. The secondary outcomes will be the HIV and STI testing frequency and STI treatment adherence during a follow-up. The planned start and end dates for the study is 26 December 2018 and 31 December 2020.Ethics and disseminationThe Medical Science Research Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University has approved the study (IRB(2018)273).Trial registration numberChiCTR1800020374

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