scholarly journals Comparative palatability of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of Praziquantel (L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ) versus current PZQ tablet in African children: A randomized, single-blind, crossover study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. e0007370
Author(s):  
Muhidin K. Mahende ◽  
Eric Huber ◽  
Elly Kourany-Lefoll ◽  
Ali Ali ◽  
Brooke Hayward ◽  
...  

Background Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only recommended drug for infection and disease caused by the schistosome species that infects humans; however, the current tablet formulation is not suitable for pre-school age children mainly due to its bitterness and the large tablet size. We assessed the palatability of two new orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations of PZQ. Methodology This randomized, single-blind, crossover, swill-and-spit palatability study (NCT02315352) was carried out at a single school in Tanzania in children aged 6–11 years old, with or without schistosomiasis infection as this was not part of the assessment. Children were stratified according to age group (6–8 years or 9–11 years) and gender, then randomized to receive each formulation in a pre-specified sequence. Over 2 days, the children assessed the palatability of Levo-Praziquantel (L-PZQ) ODT 150 mg and Racemate Praziquantel (Rac-PZQ) ODT 150 mg disintegrated in the mouth without water on the first day, and L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ dispersed in water and the currently available PZQ 600 mg formulation (PZQ-Cesol) crushed and dispersed in water on the second day. The palatability of each formulation was rated using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) incorporating a 5-point hedonic scale, immediately after spitting out the test product (VASt = 0 primary outcome) and after 2–5 minutes (VASt = 2–5). Principal findings In total, 48 children took part in the assessment. Overall, there was no reported difference in the VASt = 0 between the two ODT formulations (p = 0.106) without water. Higher VASt = 0 and VASt = 2–5 scores were reported for L-PZQ ODT compared with Rac-PZQ ODT in older children (p = 0.046 and p = 0.026, respectively). The VASt = 0 and VASt = 2–5 were higher for both ODT formulations compared with the standard formulation (p<0.001 for both time points). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions/Significance The new paediatric-friendly formulations dispersed in water were both found to be more palatable than the existing standard formulation of PZQ. There may be gender and age effects on the assessment of palatability. Further research is needed for assessing efficacy and tolerability of the newly ODTs Praziquantel drug in younger children. Trial registration The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02315352) and in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201412000959159).

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhidin K Mahende ◽  
Eric Huber ◽  
Elly Kourany-Lefoll ◽  
Ali Ali ◽  
Brooke Hayward ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundPraziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only recommended drug for infection and disease caused by the species of schistosome infecting humans; however, the current tablet formulation is not suitable for preschool age children mainly due to its bitterness and the size of the tablet. We assessed the palatability of two new orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations of PZQ.MethodsThis randomized, single-blind, crossover, swill-and-spit palatability study (NCT02315352) was carried out at a single school in Tanzania in children aged 6–11 years old, irrespective of schistosomiasis infection. Children were stratified according to age group (6–8 years or 9–11 years) and gender, then randomized to receive each formulation in a pre-specified sequence. Over 2 days, the children assessed the palatability of levo-Praziquantel (L-PZQ) ODT 150 mg and Racemate Praziquantel (Rac-PZQ) ODT 150 mg disintegrated in the mouth without water on the first day, and L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ dispersed in water and the currently available PZQ 600 mg formulation (PZQ-Cesol®) crushed and dispersed in water on the second day. The palatability of each formulation was rated using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) incorporating a 5-point hedonic scale, immediately after spitting out the test product (VASt=0 primary outcome) and after 2–5 minutes (VASt=2–5).FindingsIn total, 48 children took part in the assessment. Overall, there was no reported difference in the VASt=0 between the two ODT formulations (p=0.106) without water. Higher VASt=0 and VASt=2–5 scores were reported for L-PZQ ODT compared with Rac-PZQ ODT in older children (p=0.046 and p=0.026, respectively). The VASt=0 and VASt=2–5 were higher for both ODT formulations compared with the current formulation (p<0.001 for both time points). No serious adverse events were reported.InterpretationThe new paediatric-friendly formulations dispersed in water were both found to be more palatable than the existing formulation of PZQ. There may be gender and age effects on the assessment of palatability.FundingThis study was funded by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund (Grant nos. 2013–212).Author summarySchistosomiasis or Bilharzia is among top debilitating parasitic diseases in endemic developing countries. It presents in two forms of either urinary or intestinal form. The diseases’ mode of transmission is waterborne through contact with infested water. The main group being affected in developing countries are women and children due to their frequent contact with water. WHO introduced mass drug administration program whereby drugs are distributed in endemic communities to cut off the transmission of NTDs schistosomiasis included.Praziquantel is the sole drug for treatment of all forms of Schistosomiasis currently and it has still been proven to be highly efficacious. Preventive chemotherapy program of WHO uses the same drug as a prophylactic tool to control the disease.The biggest challenge for this drug is its availability as a 600mg tablet with a slightly bigger size and unpleasant taste, especially for younger children. This makes uneasy administering the correct dosage of drug to school children while making preschoolers totally neglected.This study was done as swill and spit exercise (drug was not ingested) to assess the new orally disintegrating isomers of Praziquantel, L-PZQ and Rac-PZQ which have been prepared as a 150mg tablet and improved taste as compared to the existing Praziquantel formulation. Findings from 48 African children showed that both new formulations are more palatable to younger children as compared to the existing Praziquantel formulation.These results provide evidence for further evaluation of the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the newer formulations towards the introduction of paediatric friendly Praziquantel tablets for Schistosomiasis treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Balaguer ◽  
Muna Albayaty ◽  
Eulalia Jimenez ◽  
Ulrika Wählby-Hamrén ◽  
Carol Astbury ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Navafenterol (AZD8871) is a novel, long-acting, dual-pharmacology (muscarinic receptor antagonist and β2−adrenoceptor agonist) molecule in development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Methods These two phase I, randomised, single-blind, multiple-ascending-dose studies evaluated inhaled navafenterol and placebo (3:1 ratio) in healthy, male, non-Japanese (study A; NCT02814656) and Japanese (study B; NCT03159442) volunteers. In each study, volunteers were dosed in three cohorts, allowing gradual dose escalation from 300 μg to 600 μg to 900 μg. The primary objective was to investigate the safety and tolerability of navafenterol at steady state. Pharmacokinetics were also assessed. Results Twenty-four volunteers completed each study (navafenterol, n = 6; placebo, n = 2 in each cohort). There were no deaths, serious adverse events (AEs) or treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) leading to discontinuation of navafenterol. The most frequent TEAEs were vessel puncture-site bruise (placebo, n = 2; navafenterol 900 μg; n = 3) in study A and diarrhoea (placebo, n = 1; navafenterol 300 μg, n = 2; navafenterol 900 μg, n = 3) in study B. No dose-response relationship was observed for TEAEs. There was a dose-dependent increase in mean heart rate on day 16 in both studies. The pharmacokinetics of navafenterol were similar between non-Japanese and Japanese volunteers. Conclusions Multiple ascending doses of navafenterol were well-tolerated and the safety and pharmacokinetics of navafenterol were similar in non-Japanese and Japanese volunteers. The findings support navafenterol clinical development. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; Nos.: NCT02814656 and NCT03159442; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.


2011 ◽  
Vol 219 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babett Voigt ◽  
Ingo Aberle ◽  
Judith Schönfeld ◽  
Matthias Kliegel

The present study examined age differences in time-based prospective memory (TBPM) in primary school age children and tested the role of self-initiated memory retrieval and strategic time monitoring (TM) as possible developmental mechanisms. Fifty-four children were recruited from local primary schools (27 younger children, mean age = 7.2 ± 0.55 years, and 27 older children, mean age = 9.61 ± 0.71 years). The task was a driving game scenario in which children had to drive a vehicle (ongoing task) and to remember to refuel before the vehicle runs out of gas (TBPM task, i.e., the fuel gauge served as child-appropriate time equivalent). Fuel gauge was either displayed permanently (low level of self-initiation) or could only be viewed on demand by hitting a button (high level of self-initiation). The results revealed age-dependent TBPM differences with better performance in older children. In contrast, level of self-initiated memory retrieval did not affect TBPM performance. However, strategies of TM influenced TBPM, as more frequent time checking was related to better performance. Patterns of time checking frequency differed according to children’s age and course of the game, suggesting difficulties in maintaining initial strategic TM in younger children. Taken together, the study revealed ongoing development of TBPM across primary school age. Observed age differences seemed to be associated with the ability to maintain strategic monitoring.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A70-A70
Author(s):  
Jennifer Holmes ◽  
Olivia Hanron ◽  
Rebecca Spencer

Abstract Introduction Sleep is known to be associated with socioeconomic status (SES) in older children and adults with those from lower SES households often experiencing poorer sleep quality. Whether this disparity exists in early childhood is relatively unknown, despite being an important age marked by sleep transitions and the establishment of lifelong sleep habits. Furthermore, it is a critical period for cognitive development and learning, which are supported by sleep. Here, we explore associations between sleep and SES in a preschool population. We hypothesized that children from lower SES households would exhibit shorter overnight sleep, longer and more frequent naps, and shorter 24-hr sleep. Additionally, we considered racial and ethnic disparities in sleep which can be confounded with SES in some samples. Methods Child (n=441; M age=51.9mo; 45.4% female) sleep was measured objectively using actigraph watches, worn for 3-16 days (M=9.5 days). Caregivers reported child demographics and household data. Race/ethnicity of our sample was 72% White, 10.2% Black, 17.8% other or more than one race, and 28.4% identified as Hispanic. 20.1% of our sample was categorized as low SES. Effects of SES and race/ethnicity on continuous sleep measures were assessed using multiple regression models, with age and gender as covariates. Nap habituality was assessed using chi-square tests. Results Lower SES was associated with shorter nighttime sleep duration, longer nap duration, and shorter 24-hr sleep duration (p’s&lt;.001). Children from lower SES households were also more likely to nap habitually (p=.04) as were Hispanic children (p&lt;.001). Hispanic children also tended to have longer nap bouts (p=.002). Hispanic and Black children on average had shorter overnight sleep durations than White children (p’s&lt;.04), but their 24-hr sleep did not differ. Conclusion SES-related sleep disparities were present in this preschool population, with lower SES children exhibiting poorer sleep. When controlling for SES, Hispanic children tended to sleep less overnight which was compensated for by longer, more frequent naps. This underscores the necessity of naps for some children to achieve adequate sleep. Future directions will explore the relationship between parenting factors and sleep, such as bedtime routines and parent knowledge surrounding child sleep needs. Support (if any) NIH R01 HL111695


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erol Karaaslan ◽  
Sedat Akbas ◽  
Ahmet Selim Ozkan ◽  
Cemil Colak ◽  
Zekine Begec

Abstract Background There are doubts among anesthesiologists on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) in nasal surgeries because of concerns about the occurrence of blood leakages to the airway. We hypothesized that the use of LMA-Supreme (LMA-S) in nasal surgery is comparable with endotracheal tube (ETT) according to airway protection against blood leakage through the fiberoptic bronchoscopy, oropharyngeal leakage pressure (OLP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and postoperative adverse events. Methods The present study was conducted in a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled manner on 80 patients, who underwent septoplasty procedures under general anesthesia, after dividing them randomly into two groups according to the device used (LMA-S or ETT). The presence of blood in the airway (glottis/trachea, distal trachea) was analyzed with the fiberoptic bronchoscope and a four-point scale. Both groups were evaluated for OLP; HR; MAP; postoperative sore throat, nausea, and vomiting; dysphagia; and dysphonia. Results In the fiberoptic evaluation of the airway postoperatively, less blood leakage was detected in both anatomic areas in the LMA-S group than in the ETT group (glottis/trachea, p = 0.004; distal trachea, p = 0.034). Sore throat was detected less frequently in the LMA-S group at a significant level in the 2nd, 6th, and 12th hours of postoperative period; however, other adverse events were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were not different between the two groups. Conclusion The present findings demonstrate that the LMA-S provided more effective airway protection than the ETT in preventing blood leakage in the septoplasty procedures. We believe that the LMA-S can be used safely and as an alternative to the ETT in septoplasty cases. Trial registration This trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT03903679 on April 5, 2019.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
PEGGY F. JACOBSON

This study examined object clitic pronouns (OCPs) and verb inflections in twenty-five school-age children with typical development (TD) and twenty children with bilingual language impairment (BLI). MANOVA and ANOVA were used to explore differences according to grade level and language status (TD vs. BLI). Although children with BLI produced higher rates of grammatical errors overall, accuracy on number and gender assignment for OCPs was better for both groups in the higher grades. Although the rate of verb inflection errors did not differ for children with TD and BLI in the lower grades, a significant interaction yielded higher error rates on subject–verb agreement for third person singular and plural inflections in the later grades for children with BLI. Greater accuracy on OCP use in later grades weakens claims that bilingualism exacerbates language impairment. For BLI, whether incomplete acquisition or delayed development is the determining factor for verb inflection errors remains undetermined.


1989 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Beer ◽  
Paula Fleming

Light-eyed individuals generally perform better at self-paced activities while dark-eyed individuals perform better at reactive activities. In throwing a ball at a target there were no differences between light- and dark-eyed elementary school-age children. Boys hit the target more times than did girls, and older children in upper grades hit the target more often than did younger children in lower grades.


Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011863
Author(s):  
Marcus W. Koch ◽  
Kayla Sage ◽  
Sharanjit Kaur ◽  
Janet Kim ◽  
Graziela Cerchiaro ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess whether treatment with the generic drug domperidone can reduce the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), we conducted a phase 2 futility trial following the Simon two-stage design.MethodsWe enrolled patients in an open-label, Simon two-stage, single-center, phase 2, single-arm futility trial at the Calgary MS Clinic if they met the following criteria: age 18–60 years, SPMS, screening EDSS score of 4.0–6.5 and screening T25FW of 9 seconds or more. Patients received domperidone 10 mg QID for one year. The primary outcome was worsening of disability, defined as worsening of the T25FW performance by 20% or more at 12 months compared to at baseline. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02308137.ResultsBetween February 13, 2015 and January 3, 2020, 110 patients were screened, 81 received treatment, 64 completed follow-up, of whom 62 were analysed. The study did not meet its primary endpoint: 22 of 62 (35%) patients experienced significant worsening of disability, which is close to the expected proportion of 40%, and above the pre-defined futility threshold. Patients with higher prolactin levels during the study had a significantly lower risk of disability progression, which may warrant further investigation. Domperidone treatment was reasonably well tolerated, but adverse events occurred in 84% and serious adverse events in 15% of patients.ConclusionsDomperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression in SPMS. The Simon two-stage trial model may be a useful model for phase 2 studies in progressive MS.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class III evidence that in individuals with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis participating in a futility trial, domperidone treatment could not reject futility in reducing disability progression at 12 months.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 33-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Kurowska

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to solve the puzzle of the disproportionately lower employment rate of mothers of toddlers with relation to the employment rate of mothers of preschool and school-age children in Estonia. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on the Most Similar System Design and compares Estonia with Lithuania. The applied methods include inferential statistics and microsimulation techniques, employing the OECD Benefits and Wages Calculator, the OECD Family Support Calculator and EUROMOD – the European tax-benefit microsimulation model. Findings The comparison revealed that the overwhelming majority of the crucial aspects of socio-cultural, economic and institutional conditions were more favourable for maternal employment in Estonia than in Lithuania. This explains the higher maternal employment rates both for mothers of pre-schoolers and school-age children in Estonia. However, one particular element of the institutional context targeted to the mothers of toddlers – the unconditional parental benefit – had an entirely opposite character. This particular feature of the parental leave scheme was the only factor that could explain why the employment rate of mothers of toddlers is disproportionately lower than the employment rate of mothers of older children in Estonia and much lower than the employment of mothers of toddlers in Lithuania. Originality/value This study complements previous research by providing evidence on the relative importance of universal parental benefit schemes in the context of other country-specific conditions for maternal employment, including the availability of institutional childcare. Furthermore, the results presented show that childcare regime typologies, at least those that characterise Eastern European countries, should be more sensitive to children’s age.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark C. Genovese ◽  
César Pacheco Tena ◽  
Arturo Covarrubias ◽  
Gustavo Leon ◽  
Eduardo Mysler ◽  
...  

Objective.Assess longterm tolerability, safety, and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) abatacept (ABA) in methotrexate-refractory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.The phase III, multinational Abatacept Comparison of Sub[QU]cutaneous Versus Intravenous in Inadequate Responders to MethotrexatE (ACQUIRE) trial comprised a 6-month, randomized, double-blind (DB) period, in which patients received intravenous (IV) or SC ABA, plus MTX, followed by an open-label, longterm extension (LTE), in which patients received SC ABA, 125 mg/week. Safety and efficacy from the LTE (∼3.5 yrs of exposure) are reported.Results.Patients who completed the DB period (1372/1385, 99.1%) entered the LTE; 1134 patients (82.7%) kept taking the treatment at time of reporting. Mean (SD) was 31.9 months (6.8); median (range) exposure was 33.0 (8–44) months. Patients entering the LTE had longstanding, moderate-to-severe disease [mean 7.6 (7.9) yrs and DAS28 (C-reactive protein) 6.2 (0.9)]. Incidence rates (events/100 patient-yrs) were reported for serious adverse events (8.76, 95% CI 7.71, 9.95), infections (44.80, 95% CI 41.76, 48.01), serious infections (1.72, 95% CI 1.30, 2.27), malignancies (1.19, 95% CI 0.86, 1.66), and autoimmune events (1.31, 95% CI 0.95, 1.79). Twenty-seven patients (2%) experienced injection-site reactions; all except 1 were mild. American College of Rheumatology 20, 50, and 70 responses achieved during the DB period were maintained through the LTE, and on Day 981 were 80.2% (95% CI 77.2, 83.2), 63.5% (95% CI 58.2, 68.9), and 39.5% (95% CI 34.0, 44.9) for patients who kept taking SC ABA, and 80.0% (95% CI 77.0, 83.0), 63.2% (95% CI 57.8, 68.7), and 39.2% (95% CI 33.7, 44.7) for those who switched from IV to SC ABA.Conclusion.These findings support SC ABA as a well-tolerated and efficacious longterm treatment for patients with RA and inadequate response to MTX (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00559585).


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document