Inhaled Nitric Oxide for the Adjunctive Therapy of Severe Malaria: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Severe malaria remains a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. While the use of artemisinin-based antimalarial therapy has improved outcomes in severe malaria, the mortality rate remains high. Adjunctive therapies that target the underlying pathophysiology of severe malaria may further reduce morbidity and mortality. Endothelial activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of severe malaria, of which the angiogenic factors angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) have recently been shown to function as key regulators. Nitric oxide (NO) is a major inhibitor of Ang-2 release from endothelium and has been shown to decrease endothelial inflammation and reduce the adhesion of parasitized erythrocytes. Low-flow inhaled nitric oxide gas (iNO) is a US FDA-approved treatment for hypoxic respiratory failure in neonates. Based on compelling data on the efficacy of iNO in experimental cerebral malaria in animal models, coupled with the documented safety of iNO in clinical practice and trials for other diseases, we propose a randomized clinical trial of iNO for the adjunctive treatment of severe malaria in Ugandan children.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 1-10 years
• Positive malaria rapid diagnostic test in the presence of any of the features of severe malaria
• Willing and able to complete follow up schedules for the study - 14 day and 6 months after hospital discharge

Exclusion criteria

• Baseline methemoglobinemia
• Known renal, cardiac, or hepatic disease or other chronic illnesses like diabetes, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, clinical AIDS
• Severe malnutrition
• Severe malarial anemia without other signs of severe malaria