A Randomised Trial of Artesunate-sulfamethoxypyrazine/Pyrimethamine Versus Praziquantel for the Treatment of S. Mansoni

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the comparative efficacy of artesunate plus sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine versus Praziquantel in the treatment of school children infected with S.mansoni in western Kenya.

Detailed Description
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Schistosomiasis remains an important parasitic disease in the tropics, including Kenya. In the absence of a vaccine, the major control strategy is the reduction of morbidity by chemotherapy using Praziquantel. Evidence from laboratory studies and field trials continue to show that schistosome worms have developed reduced susceptibility to Praziquantel. These observations indicate the need for research to monitor the trends in efficacy of praziquantel and the need for research to develop novel antischistosomal drugs. Randomized controlled trials have also shown that Artemisinin derivatives (artesunate, artemether) have antischistosomal activity against S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum. We propose to conduct an open-label, randomized trial to evaluate the comparative efficacy of artesunate plus sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine versus Praziquantel in the treatment of 212 school children infected with S.mansoni in Rarieda district in western Kenya. To do this we will screen about 1000 school children by examination of stool for schistosome eggs. Eligible children will be randomized to receive either artesunate plus sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine over 3 days or a single dose of Praziquantel. Four weeks after treatment, the participants will be assessed for cure and egg reduction.Our study may provide vital information regarding an alternative treatment for S. mansoni infection in children.

Official Title
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Open-label, Randomized Clinical Trial in Kenya to Determine the Effectiveness of Artesunate + Sulfamethoxypyrazine/Pyrimethamine Vs. Praziquantel in the Treatment of S. Mansoni in Children

Conditions
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Schistosoma Mansoni

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Artesunate+Sulfamethoxypyrazine/pyrimethamine
* Drug: Praziquantel


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged between 6 and 15 years old Study participants appear healthy at enrollment, as assessed by the study clinician Suffering from S. mansoni infection, excreting eggs in stool Residing in Uyoma area, near Lake Victoria Able to receive oral treatment Parent/legal guardian gives informed written consent for the child to participate in the study Child assent to participate in study Exclusion Criteria: Weighing more than 50 kg Pregnant or lactating at the time of the study Presence of infection with Plasmodium falciparum or other Plasmodium spp. Presence of severe illness, such as cerebral cysticercosis Signs of severe malnutrition (defined as children with weight/height ratio below 3 standard deviations or below 70% of the median of the WHO standardized reference values, or still with symmetrical oedema affecting both feet) Hypersensitivity to As, sulfonamides or PZQ. Use of another anti-malaria or anti-schistosomal drug during the study, or within 28 days before the administration of treatment. Previous participation in this study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Years
Maximum Age: 15 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Artesunate+Sulfamethoxypyrazine/pyrimethamine<br> | Drug: Artesunate+Sulfamethoxypyrazine/pyrimethamine<br> <br> * Other names: Co-arinate FDC;|
| Active Comparator: Praziquantel<br> | Drug: Praziquantel<br> <br> * Other names: Biltricide;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compare the cure rate between the two treatment arms |  | after 28 days | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Compare the proportion of children excreting schistosoma eggs between the two treatment arms |  | after 28 days | 
| Compare the amount of eggs produced between the two arms |  | after 28 days | 
| Compare the incidence of clinical and biological adverse events |  | after 28 days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Schistosoma mansoni, Praziquantel, Artesunate + Sulfamethoxypyrazine/pyrimethamine, Randomized open-label controlled clinical trial