Home Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy: Benefits in the Treatment of Cellulitis

Continued from p 103 Malaria Pyronaridine for Falciparum malaria in Africa Researchers in Cameroon compared chloroquine with pyronaridine for Falciparum malaria assigning 96 patients randomly to treatment with either drug. Parasite clearance during the 2-week follow-up period was 44% with chloroquine and 100% pyronaridine. The authors note that pyronaridine appeared rapidly effective and well tolerated in African patients and this may represent an alternative drug for the treatment of chloroquine resistant malaria. Pyronaridine was first synthesized in China in 1971 and has now been used there for over 20 years with good tolerance shown in published studies. There is currently very little development work taking place by Western drug firms on new agents for treating malaria and this study is encouraging, indicating that the search for new antimalarial agents should continue. This small trial provides solid grounds for undertaking more extensive research. RINGWALD P, BICKII J, BASCO L. Randomized trial of pyronaridine versus chloraquine for acute uncomplicated Falciparum malaria in Africa. Lancet 1996;347:248 Nevertheless, physicians in our countries must fully explore all the local resources which will aid in reducing the cost of health care.