ACTH as an adjunct to the treatment of loaiasis.

Abstract

This single case report is of interest because of the marked symptomatic relief provided by administration of ACTH during treatment of loaiasis with diethylcarbamazine (Hetrazan). ACTH as an adjunct in the therapy of loaiasis has not been described previously. The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of filariasis was noted by McFadzean (1953). He indicated that most of the reported improvement in elephantiasis was produced by bed rest and elastic bandages, rather than by a specific effect of corticosteroids. Markell (1955) pointed out that administration of cortisone to patients with elephantiasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti was followed by diuresis and an increased number of microfilariae in the blood stream. Both effects were ascribed to a lessening in the inflammatory reaction around the adult worms which allowed freer lymphatic drainage from the swollen limb and greater access by the microfilariae to the lymphatics and the blood stream.