Could a blood transfusion save kids with severe malaria?

NCT ID NCT05711485

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving a whole blood transfusion can help children under 5 with severe malaria and very low platelet counts survive. The trial is enrolling 132 children in Zambia. Researchers will compare death rates and blood changes between those who get a transfusion plus standard care and those who get standard care alone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: whole blood transfusion
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to save more children from severe malaria.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial in one country, so results may not apply everywhere. Transfusions carry risks like infection or reactions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cerebral malaria malaria Plasmodium falciparum malaria thrombocytopenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SEVERE MALARIA THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
Tropical Diseases Research Centre
RECRUITING

Ndola, Copperbelt, Zambia

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