TITLE:
Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine Does Not Have Effect on Maternal Hemoglobin at Delivery and Birth Weight in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Labama Otuli Noël, Bosenge Nguma Jean-Didier, Maindo Alongo Mike-Antoine, Losimba Likwela Joris, Manga Okenge Jean-Pascal
KEYWORDS:
Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy, Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine, Pregnancy-Associated Malaria, Maternal Anaemia at Delivery, Low Birth Weight, Kisangani
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.12,
December
13,
2019
ABSTRACT: Background: The consequences of malaria during pregnancy are different regarding local conditions of malaria transmission. In stable malaria areas, the main complications are maternal anaemia and fetal growth restriction. This study aims to determine if pregnancy-associated malaria is associated with the risk of the above-mentioned complications and to determine if IPTp-sp reduces them in Kisangani. Methods: It is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in parturients, in 6 medical facilities of Kisangani, from January 1st to September 30th, 2017. At delivery we measured their hemoglobin, we performed the thick blood smear of their peripheral blood and placental apposition; and we weighed their newborns at birth. Results: Risk of anaemia at delivery increased with malaria access during pregnancy (p = 0.0056; OR: 1.4221, 95% CI: 1.0851 - 1.8638) and peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (p = 0.0000; OR: 6.3855, 95% CI: 4.5552 - 8.9512). LBW increased with peripheral parasitaemia at delivery (p = 0.0000; OR: 3.5299, 95% CI: 2.4424 - 5.1015) and placental parasitaemia (p = 0.0000; OR: 18.3247, 95% CI: 12.5141 - 26.8332). IPTp-sp did not have effect on maternal hemoglobin at delivery (p = 0.1546; OR: 0.7553, IC à 95%: 0.4414 - 1.2923) and the birth weight (p = 0.1225; OR: 0.6638, IC à 95%: 0.3375 - 1.3056). Conclusion: In Kisangani, pregnancy-associated malaria is associated with maternal anaemia at delivery and LBW. IPTp-sp does not reduce the risk of these complications. Therefore, studies evaluating IPTp alternatives are required in malaria endemic areas.