AN OPEN RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF INTRAMUSCULAR ARTEMETHER AND INTRAVENOUS QUININE IN CEREBRAL MALARIA IN CHILDREN

We have compared a multi-dose intramuscular regime of artemether again st the standard intravenous quinine treatment for cerebral malaria in an open randomized study. Parasite clearance time, fever clearance tim e, and time to recover from coma were similar in the 2 groups of patie nts. Although the mortality rate was lower in the artemether group, th e difference was not statistically significant. There was no toxic rea ction of note in the artemether group. We therefore conclude that, bec ause of its ease of administration and good toxicity profile, artemeth er is more suited for use in the rural regions of malaria endemic area s, where monitoring facilities may be minimal, compared to quinine whi ch is potentially toxic.