Malaria in pregnancy before and after the implementation of a national IPTp program in Gabon.

Abstract

Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has recently been adopted by many African countries to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with malaria in pregnancy. We assessed the impact of a newly established national IPTp program on maternal and neonatal health in Gabon. Data on prevalence of maternal Plasmodium falciparum infection, anemia, premature birth, and birth weight were collected in cross-sectional surveys in urban and rural regions of Gabon before and after the implementation of IPTp in a total of 1403 women and their offspring. After introduction of IPTp, the prevalence of maternal Plasmodium falciparum infection decreased dramatically (risk ratio 0.16, P < 0.001). Whereas only a modest effect on the rate of anemia in pregnant women was observed, there was a marked benefit on the prevalence of low birth weight and premature birth for women adhering to national recommendations. These effects were most pronounced in primi- and secundigravid women.

• Authors: Michael Ramharter, Katharina Schuster, Marielle K Bouyou-Akotet, Ayola A Adegnika, Kristen Schmits, Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma, Selidji T Agnandji, Johannes Nemeth, Solange Nzenze Afène, Saadou Issifou, Isabelle Ndombi Onnas, Maryvonne Kombila, Peter G Kremsner
• Journal: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Am J Trop Med Hyg) Vol. 77 Issue 3 Pg. 418-22 (Sep 2007) ISSN: 0002-9637 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17827353 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimalarials

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antimalarials (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Gabon (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Malaria, Falciparum (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Parity
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Time Factors