Intrarectal quinine versus intravenous or intramuscular quinine for treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Background: In children with falciparum malaria, a proprietary quinine preparation (adjusted to make it less acidic) administered rectally may be easier to use and less painful than intramuscular or intravenous administration. However, rectal quinine may be less effective.

Objectives: To compare intrarectal quinine with intravenous or intramuscular quinine for treating malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.

Drugs for treating uncomplicated malaria in pregnant women.

Background: Women are more vulnerable to malaria during pregnancy, and malaria infection may have adverse consequences for the fetus. Identifying safe and effective treatments is important.

Objectives: To compare the effects of drug regimens for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in pregnant women.

Malaria: severe, life-threatening.

Introduction: Severe malaria mainly affects children under 5 years old, non-immune travellers, migrants to malarial areas, and people living in areas with unstable or seasonal malaria. Cerebral malaria, causing encephalopathy and coma, is fatal in around 20% of children and adults, and neurological sequelae may occur in some survivors. Severe malarial anaemia may have a mortality rate of over 13%.

Infant-feeding practices of mothers of known HIV status in Lusaka, Zambia.

Background: Between 25 and 44% of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occurs through breastfeeding. As a result, feeding guidelines for infants of HIV-infected mothers are being formulated in many resource-poor countries. The impact of introducing these guidelines on mothers' actual feeding practices has not previously been examined.