Halofantrine efficacy in non-immune children with imported acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria Infection

A rising incidence of imported acute malaria has been observed in non-immune traveller children returning from the tropics to France. Halofantrine efficacy has been poorly assessed in non-immune children. In order to assess halofantrine efficacy in non-immune children with acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, we collected data of children with positive blood smears in an open prospective study. Children with neurological manifestations, vomiting and congenital long QT were excluded. All children were hospitalised and received halofantrine (24 mg/kg divided into three doses per day) on an empty stomach. Persistent fever after day 3 defined failure. Relapse was defined by a positive blood smear with or without systemic symptoms within a I month follow-up period. In total, 52 children were enrolled. No failure was observed, but relapses occurred in 14/52. On univariate analysis, the mean age of children with relapse was significantly lower (P<0.05). Moreover, diarrhoea was more frequently associated with relapses (P<0.04). Age and diarrhoea were significant independent factors contributing to relapses. Conclusion: This study shows that with a relapse rate of 27%, this regimen with a 1-day course of halofantrine is not to be recommended.