BackgroundArtemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been adopted by the World Health Organization as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In endemic regions, it has proven more effective in treating the disease, and even in reducing its transmission. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of studies carried out in non-endemic areas on imported uncomplicated malaria.MethodsThis is a retrospective, observational study performed on patients diagnosed and admitted with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria between 2004 and 2015. The objective was to compare the parasite clearance period and the average hospital length of stay for patients treated with ACT vs those receiving other treatment regimens.ResultsEighty-five patients were included in the study. Fifty-one received ACT treatment (dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine) and thirty-four patients were treated with quinine sulfate+doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil. The parasite clearance period was shorter in the group of patients treated with ACT compared to those receiving other treatment types: 24 h (IQR 24) vs 48 h (IQR 48), p < 0.01. The average hospital stay was also shorter in the ACT group with respect to the second group: 2.67 days (IQR 1.08) vs 3.96 days (IQR 2.87), p < 0.001. A mild case of hepatitis was registered in the group treated with ACT.ConclusionsACT treatment of admitted hospital patients with imported uncomplicated malaria from P. falciparum reduced the days spent hospitalized as well as producing a more rapid parasite clearance compared to classic treatment. In spite of being treated with safe medications, one has to be alert to possible adverse effects such as hepatitis and delayed haemolytic anaemia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1408-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

INTRODUCTION: Regular training in the blood transfusion process is crucial for transfusion safety. Hospital transfusion committees have an obligation to provide this education to hospital employees through training activities. E-learning is positioning itself as a valid alternative to physical-presence courses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe a training course on blood transfusion to members of our hospital who are involved in the transfusion process, including technicians, nurses, and doctors. The course uses Moodle as the e-learning platform; it is evaluated using a satisfaction survey along with a knowledge-transfer and impact survey a year after taking the course. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2018, seven editions of the online transfusion course were developed. Six hundred and eighty students enrolled; of these, 124 did not take the final examination (18.2%); 60 never began the course (8.8%). Of the 556 students who completed the course, 546 passed (98.2%). The average score from the initial self-assessment was 7.3 while the average score from the final self-assessment was 9.2; the mean improvement was 1.9 (out of 10). The level of general course satisfaction was 9.27 (an average out of 10). More than 90% of the students stated that they were able to apply the acquired knowledge in the workplace after a year. CONCLUSIONS: E-learning has demonstrated itself as an affordable solution that could help in the training of all staff involved in the transfusion process at our hospital, with the advantage that it includes general knowledge and particular skills in local transfusion medical practice.

Background: Hereditary red cell disorders are associated with a protective effect against malaria, which results in an increased prevalence in malaria-endemic areas. Migratory flows from these areas are resulting in a marked increase in such abnormalities in Southern Spain. Methods: All hemoglobin disorders diagnosed between 1997 and 2010 have been recorded. Since 2008, we have performed systematic screening for hemoglobinopathies on African patients. A high-pressure liquid chromatography system was used as screening method for structural hemoglobinopathies and for separation of hemoglobin (Hb) F and A₂. Results: We detected 666 cases in patients of foreign origin and 308 in native Spanish patients. Thalassemias (thal) are the most frequent disorders amongst the local population: β-thal minor, 57.1% (176/308); α-thal, 18.2% (56/308), and δβ-thal, 7.8% (24/308). In ethnic minorities, there is a huge variety of hemoglobinopathies: heterozygous Hb S, 45% (300/666); heterozygous Hb C, 15% (100/666); β-thal minor, 13.7% (91/666); α-thal, 10.2% (68/666); Hb SS in 14 patients, and Hb CC in 9 patients. Of the native patients, 14 were found to have Hb AS and 9 Hb AC. Conclusion: Given the modern migratory flows, greater knowledge of these disorders is needed by all medical staff, and new practical and cost/time-effective diagnostic approaches have to be devised.

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