Place of Albendazole in the Treatment of Cystic Ecchinococcosis

Abstract

Results:  During the study period, 32 patients were included.  They were divided into 22 women and 10 men (Sex-ratio: 2,2).  The mean age was 37 (4-72) years.  Twenty one patients (66%) had undergone one or more interventions for their cystic echinococcosis.  Seven cases had a debilitating disease: neurological history (3 cases), long-term corticosteroid (2 cases), diabetes (1 case), HIV (1 case)  Eighteen patients showed polycystic hydatid disseminated. The most affected organ was the liver: 23 cases (72%) followed by the lung: 15 cases (47%) and the peritoneum : 6 cases (19%).  Medical therapy with albendazole (ABZ): Indications: patients deemed inoperable (14 cases), as a complement of surgery (12 cases), preoperatively to decrease the size of the cyst to facilitate its surgical approach (4 cases), refusal of surgery by the patient (1 case) and as a complement of the Ponction Aspiration Injection Reaspiration (PAIR) technique (2 cases). Side effects: 14 cases (43%): epigastralgia (5 cases), increased liver enzymes (7 cases) and alopecia (2 cases). Twenty one patients were evaluable. Regardless of the location of cysts. Effects: * Benefic effect (cure and/or improvement of some cysts): 15 patients (71,4%). * No effect (only stabilization and/or aggravation of all cysts): 6 patients (28,6%).