TREATMENT WITH AMODIAQUINE-SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE IS 98% EFFECTIVE AGAINST UNCOMPLICATED FALCIPARUM MALARIA

BACKGROUND: The combination of amodiaquine (AQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is the firstchoice treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria (UCFM) in Antioquia (northwestern Colombia) since 1985 and in the country at large, since 2000. Objective: To measure the frequency of therapeutic failure of AQ-SP in patients with UCFM, residents of Turbo (Uraba zone) and El Bagre (Bajo Cauca zone) of Antioquia in northwestern Colombia. Methodology: This study is part of a larger one which has balanced design, with eight groups; the sample size in each municipality was 50 patients and it was obtained with statistical and epidemiological criteria; treatment was administered in the order of admission of patients according to the usual schedule; follow-up was done during 21 days; not-blind evaluation of the effect with the 1998 WHO protocol. Results: Ninety patients with UCFM were evaluated; therapeutic failure frequency was 2%; that is 2 cases, one early and one late. Conclusion: Treatment of UCFM with AQ-SP is highly effective and should be maintained as the first therapeutic choice; its effectiveness is reinforced by its low cost and good tolerance; also by the fact that undesirable effects attributable to the treatment are few and mild.