Factors associated with chloroquine induced pruritus during malaria treatment in Mozambican University students

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Gama, H (Author) Other; Ismael, A (Author) Other; Sitoi, F (Author) Other; Matola, A (Author) Other; Barros H (Author) FMUP; Lunet N (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Gaceta Sanitaria

Vol. 23 No. 4

Pages: 306-310

ISSN: 0213-9111

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-HSG

DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2008.07.004

Abstract (EN): Introduction: It has been suggested that reductions in chloroquine use may be followed by a resurgence of chloroquine-susceptible falciparum malaria, and chloroquine might once again be an effective treatment choice, which renews the importance of aspects related to its use and Misuse. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chloroquine-induced pruritus and to identify Fisk factors for its occurrence in Mozambican University students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private University in Maputo. Students were approached in the classrooms to complete a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, number of previous malaria episodes, utilization of antimalarial drugs, and life prevalence of chloroquine induced pruritus. Results: Among 795 respondents, 77.4% (601/777) reported at least one malaria episode and 73.2% (542/740) had used chloroquine before. The life-prevalence of chloroquine-incluced pruritus was 30.1% (158/525). Pruritus tended to be more frequent when chloroquine was used for treatment compared with prophylaxis only (31.2% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.05), and chloroquine use in the last malaria episode was less frequent in participants recalling chloroquine-induced Pruritus (52.3% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: About one third of the black population Using chloroquine experienced chloroquine-incluced pruritus at least once. This adverse reaction tended to be less frequent when lower doses of chloroquine were used and to influence future anti-malarial therapeutic choices.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5