[Comparison on treatment of falciparum malaria with different courses of artesunate tablet].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of Artesunate on falciparum malaria.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study on the treatment of 90 uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients was carried out with 400 mg of artesunate tablet as a total dose over 3 days, 600 mg over 5 days and 800 mg over 7 days.

RESULTS

All patients were cured. Fever clearance time (FCT) and parasite clearance time(PCT) among the three groups were similar. Parasite recrudescence rate within 28 days was 39.3% (11/ 28) in 3 day group, 6.9% (2/29) in 5 day group and 3.4% (1/29) in 7 day group (comparing 5 day group with 3 day group, P < 0.005, comparing 7 day group with 3 day group, P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

It indicated that parasite recrudescence rate may be effectively decreased by prolonging treatment courses.