Falciparum malaria and pregnancy: relationship and treatment response

Fifty-two patients with falciparum malaria during pregnancy were studied in Taunggyi, Shan States, Burma, during the period of April 1985 through December 1986. Severely ill cases were all treated with quinine, but uncomplicated cases were randomised to receive either quinine or amodiaquine. Fifty-one age-matched non-pregnant female patients were also randomised to receive either quinine or amodiaquine. All clinical and laboratory parameters were comparable between pregnant and non-pregnant group of patients. Falciparum malaria was most frequent among primigravidae, and occurred most frequently in the second trimester for all parities. There were no differences in parasite density, fever clearance and parasite clearance between groups with different parity or gestational period. Quinine and amodiaquine treatment were equally effective. The outcome of pregnancy with and without anti-malarial prophylaxis is discussed.