Improving neonatal health by testing for malaria in early pregnancy

Improving Neonatal Health Through Rapid Malaria Testing in Early Pregnancy With High-Sensitivity

Phase 4 Interventional Duke University · NCT05757167

This study is testing if screening for malaria in early pregnancy can help improve the health of mothers and their babies in areas where malaria is common.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Kinshasa and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05757167 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The INTREPiD study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of screening for malaria parasites in the first trimester of pregnancy using a high-sensitivity rapid diagnostic test. Women presenting to antenatal clinics in malaria-endemic regions of Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be randomly assigned to either usual antenatal care or the intervention group, which includes screening and treatment with Artemether-Lumefantrine if malaria is detected. The study will follow participants through delivery and into their offspring's first month of life to assess the impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are HIV-uninfected women aged 16 to 40 years with a viable singleton pregnancy in the first trimester.

Not a fit: Patients with high-risk pregnancies requiring specialized care or those with recent antimalarial treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with malaria in pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar malaria screening approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 16 years and 40 years (inclusive)
* Viable singleton pregnancy with gestational age estimated less than 13 6/7 weeks (inclusive) by ultrasound
* HIV-uninfected
* Willing to participate in the study schedule
* Planning to remain in the study area for the duration of pregnancy and 1 month after delivery
* Willing to deliver in a study-affiliated health facility

Exclusion Criteria:

* High risk pregnancy that requires referral for specialized care by local guidelines
* Active medical problem at the time of screening requiring higher level care
* Antimalarial receipt in the 2 weeks prior to screening
* Past allergy to Artemether or Lumefantrine or another condition that prohibits the receipt of either drug
* Current participation in another clinical research study

Where this trial is running

Kinshasa and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Malaria,FalciparumMalaria in PregnancyMalaria in ChildbirthPregnancyNeonatal HealthLow BirthweightStillbirthGestational Age and Weight Conditions
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.