[Severe malaria attacks in adults in Cameroon: comparison of 2 therapeutic protocols using quinine via parenteral...

Increasing frequency and severity of cerebral malaria have become a major problem in the area of Yaoundé (Cameroon, Central Africa). Based on recent findings in pharmacokinetic parameters in cerebral malaria, a quinine infusion regimen (8 mg of quinine base/kg of body weight over 1 h followed by 8 mg of base/kg over 7 h, then 8 mg/kg over 8 h 3 times daily for 3 days) was randomly allocated to 10 patients; 10 others received a more classical regimen currently used in Cameroon of 8 mg of base/kg over 8 h, 3 times daily for 3 days. In the loading dose group, there was a significant decrease in the duration of coma (48%), and the parasite clearance times were reduced by 33%. This regimen has been safe and effective: it is recommended in Yaoundé.