Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
Degree Name
MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
First Advisor
Eric Van Hecke, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-EM
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a significant burden that affects millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) are widely used for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic areas. Exchange transfusion has been used since 1974 as an adjunct for treatment of malaria. But its use has been subject to controversies as its role has not been clearly demonstrated.
Purpose: To determine the best treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using google scholar, and PubMed using the search terms antimalarial drugs, exchange transfusion, ACT. Inclusion criteria were studies from 2015 to present and exclusion criteria were studies that were older than 2015.
Conclusions: ACTs remain the first line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. They are effective against Plasmodium falciparum and well tolerated by patients. The evidence for exchange transfusion efficacy remains limited. Exchange transfusion is no longer recommended for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Identifier
SC 11.PAS.2022.Adjagodo.A
Recommended Citation
Adjagodo, Abiel, "In patients with malaria, does the use of antimalarial drugs (Artemisinin-based combination therapies) more effective than exchange transfusion for treatment?" (2022). Theses and Graduate Projects. 1265.
https://idun.augsburg.edu/etd/1265