Efficacy of Rectal Artesunate on Parasitaemia and Febrile Condition of Children of Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria

Efficacy of Rectal Artesunate on parasitaemia and febrile condition of children was assessed in 905 children below the age of 5 years. Grid systematic method was employed in selecting sixteen study centres from 8 Local Government Areas of Ogun State. Ethical approvals were obtained in addition to interactive sessions with parents of the children and PHCs medical practitioners. Body weight and temperature were taken and drug was administered at a dose of 5 to 10mg/kg of the body weight per rectum at 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. Efficacy of treatment was monitored by analysing blood samples taken at 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours for Malaria Parasites Count (MPC/µl), parasitized red blood cells (PRBC). Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 to assess association with p-value of < 0.05. A significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed between malaria parasites prevalence at 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. Also a baseline mean malaria parasite density (MPC/µl) of 3,320/μl was observed at 0 hour and a reduction in mean MPC/µl of 1,230/μl and 420/μl at 24 hours and 48 hours respectively with a significant (p < 0.05) difference between MPC/µl at 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. Baseline mean parasitized red blood cells (PRBC) of 4.2 % was observed at 0 hour with reduction in mean PRBC of 2.4 % and 1.1 % at 24 and 48 hours respectively with a significant (p < 0.05) difference between PRBC at 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. Fever Subsidence Ratio between 0 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours were 1.4:1.1. Rectal artesunate is highly effective and well tolerated antimalarial suppository for pre-referral and parenteral therapy.