Malaria Treatment Using Oral Medkafin: Changes In Biochemical And Haematological Parameters In Nigerian Adults With Uncomplicated <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria

Abstract

Objective: To observe the changes in the biochemical and haematological parameters of patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria after treatment with oral medkafin. Method: The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) E.C.2.6.1.1, alanine amino transferase (ALT) E.C.2.6.1.2, the levels of total and conjugated bilirubin, haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in the serum of patients with uncomplicated malaria prior to (PT) and after treatment (AT) with oral medkafin, a new antimalarial drug, were assayed in consenting patients with plasmodium falciparum malaria treated at the University of Calabar Medical Centre in June 1997. Result: The activity of ALT and the level of Hb decreased significantly (p< 0.05) after treatment in the serum of male and female patients compared with their pre-treatment values. The activity of AST, total and conjugated bilirubin increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the serum of male and female patients (except that of female total bilirubin) compared with the PT levels. The PCV of males decreased significantly AT (p < 0.05) compared to the PT levels. Conclusion: This study showed that the levels of ALT, Hb and PCV decreased while those of AST, total and conjugated bilirubin increased in males after treatment with oral medkafin. Key Words: Medkafin, Malaria, Falciparum malaria, Treatment of Malaria Orient Journal of Medicine Vol.15(3&4) 2003: 23-25