Research Paper of the Year winner 2010

 

Research Paper of the Year

Category proudly sponsored by:

Champion: Trish Groves, Deputy Editor, BMJ   

Recognising original clinical research that has contributed significantly to improving health and health care

Gomes MF, Faiz MA, Gyapong JO, Warsame M, Agbenyega T, Babiker A, Baiden F, Yunus EB, Binka F, Clerk C, Folb P, Hassan R, Hossain MA, Kimbute O, Kitua A, Krishna S, Makasi C, Mensah N, Mrango Z, Olliaro P, Peto R, Peto TJ, Rahman MR, Ribeiro I, Samad R, White NJ for for the Study 13 Research Group.  Pre-referral rectal artesunate to prevent death and disability in severe malaria: a placebo-controlled trial. Lancet, 2009;373:557-66. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61734-1: Switzerland

Clear messages that come from good research can save lives—something that is abundantly obvious from research into preventing death and disability from malaria that was carried out for the World Health Organization’s special programme for research and training in tropical diseases (TDR).

 Researchers led by Melba Gomes, scientist for the TDR programme, which is sponsored by Unicef, the United Nations Development Programme, theWorld Bank, and WHO, found that simple practical ideas are often those that have the most important impact on public health.

Time is crucial in treating malaria, but many people with the disease live in areas with difficult access to definitive treatment. The researchers investigated whether people with severe malaria who were unable to take oral treatment might benefit from a dose of rectal artesunate before they could reach a facility able to provide parenteral treatment. They found no differences in mortality or disability among those who reached such a facility within six hours of treatment. However, the use of a single artesunate suppository halved the risk of death or permanent disability among patients who could not get to a clinic in six hours.

Dr Gomes says: “The results reinforce the idea that treating sick children early in their communities can save life and prevents the serious neurological damage that can follow severe or cerebral malaria."

"If the trial contributes to rectal artesunate being granted regulatory approval, this would make a major contribution to health care, especially in remote areas where people who are desperately sick with malaria are unable to reach hospital."

“A BMJ Group Award is a great honour. The award has helped increase awareness among disease endemic countries and donors alike of the importance and lifesaving potential of early treatment.”

“Much of the credit should go to the brilliant investigators and dedicated field researchers who conducted the three country trial involving nearly 18,000 people.”

If you know of or have been part of a team of extraordinary researchers whose work has positively influenced national or global public health, submit your entry now.