Intravenous Artesunate for Severe Malaria in Travelers, Europe

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1705.101229
• Publication Date: 2011-04-29T21:46:45Z
• Authors: Thomas Zoller; Thomas Junghanss; Annette Kapaun; Ida Gjørup; Joachim Richter; Mats Hugo-Persson; Kristine Mørch; Behruz Foroutan; Norbert Suttorp; Salih Yürek; Holger Flick
• Keywords: Artesunate; Quinine; Haemolysis

Multicenter trials in Southeast Asia have shown better survival rates among patients with severe malaria, particularly those high parasitemia levels, treated intravenous (IV) artesunate than quinine. In Europe, quinine is still the primary treatment for malaria. We conducted a retrospective analysis 25 travelers malaria who returned from malaria-endemic regions and were at 7 centers Europe. All survived. Treatment IV rapidly reduced levels. 6 5 centers, self-limiting episode of unexplained hemolysis occurred after reduction Five required blood transfusion. Patients posttreatment had received higher doses without hemolysis. was an effective alternative to should be monitored signs hemolysis, especially parasitologic cure.