­Pharmacokinetics of drugs used to treat uncomplicated malaria in breastfeeding mother-infant pairs: An observational pharmacokinetic study

• DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18512.1
• Publication Date: 2023-01-06T16:40:16Z
• Authors: Ritah Nakijoba; Aida Nakayiwa Kawuma; Francis Williams ...; Jovia C. Tabwenda; Jacqueline Kyeyune; Christine Turyahabwe; Simon Peter Asiimwe; Johnson Magoola; Clifford George B...; Barbara Castelnuovo; Allan Buzibye; Catriona Waitt
• Keywords: Artemether; Lumefantrine; Artemether/lumefantrine; Dihydroartemisinin

<ns3:p><ns3:bold>Background: </ns3:bold>Data surrounding the exposure of breastfed infant to drugs and any associated risks are sparse. Drugs transferred milk in small quantities, many have been used without obviously noticeable toxicity for years – this lack a ‘safety signal’ has further reduced interest studying mother-to-infant transfer drugs. In sub-Saharan Africa, pregnant women at risk <ns3:italic>Plasmodium falciparum</ns3:italic> infection, one four evidence placental infection time delivery. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), primarily artemether-lumefantrine (AL), current first-line treatment uncomplicated malaria, with same dosing recommendations breastfeeding as those adult population. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is routinely an alternative AL Uganda. However, lactation pharmacokinetics (PK) ACTs unknown. Pharmacokinetic characterization anti-malarial breast infants crucial understanding potential consequences infant, terms therapeutic- prophylactic effects well toxicity. </ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Methods:</ns3:bold> This observational study will enroll 30 mother-infant pairs, aims characterize breastmilk antimalarial medications (AL DP) when these administered mothers part malaria. addition, we assess mental health enrolled well-being their children.</ns3:p><ns3:p> PK samples maternal blood, infant’s blood be obtained specific times points. data analyzed using population pharmacokinetic approach.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Conclusions: </ns3:bold>We anticipate that findings from research guide develop model describing lumefantrine piperaquine disposition provide framework foster other studies different disease areas.</ns3:p>