Parenteral Artesunate Compared to Quinine as a Cause of Late Anaemia in African Children With Malaria

Delayed anaemia has been reported in European travellers with malaria cured by artesunate. Although no deaths related to this delayed anaemia have been reported so far, blood transfusion has been necessary in some affected patients. Recent observations suggest that this episodes of anaemia also occurs in endemic countries. The aim of this trial is to assess the incidence of late onset anaemia after treatment with intravenous artesunate compared to intravenous quinine, to identify patients at risk and to clarify the causes of this delayed anaemia.