Abstract
The role of trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease remains controversial. A total of 13 patients with chronic Chagas disease were treated with benznidazole (5mg/kg/day/60 days) and surveyed via antibody measurement and conventional electrocardiogram over the course of 4 years. The antibody titers were significantly reduced after 4 years (p<0.05). Most of the patients showed maintenance of the initial clinical picture (electrocardiographic), with the exception of 4 cases. Although trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease was of limited effectiveness, we believe that it is beneficial in treating these patients.
Highlights
The role of trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease remains controversial
There is no doubt that the use of Bz during the acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) is beneficial; there are no convincing data in the medical literature that indicate that this specific treatment is effective in preventing the progression of chronic CD7. Given these facts and due to the scarcity of publications on this topic, we evaluated cardiac and serological parameters in patients with chronic CD treated with Bz in a 4-year pharmacotherapy follow-up
Fabbro et al.[11], in a 21-year follow-up study, investigated chronic chagasic patients treated with benznidazole or nifurtimox (n=54) and untreated patients (n=57) aged 17 to 46 years
Summary
The role of trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease remains controversial. The only drug available for the treatment of Chagas disease in Brazil is benznidazole (Bz)[6]. Given these facts and due to the scarcity of publications on this topic, we evaluated cardiac and serological parameters in patients with chronic CD treated with Bz in a 4-year pharmacotherapy follow-up.
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