Cycles Of Albendazole Research Articles

Isolated cystic renal echinococcosis: a rare case report

Hydatid cyst of the kidney is one of the rare condition caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The incidence of renal involvement is about 2% of all hydatid disease in humans and isolated renal involvement is extremely rare. Hydatid disease is frequent in endemic regions and sheep farming areas. Here, a case of 21 year old female with isolated primary hydatid cyst of the kidney is presented, that was evaluated clinically and investigated by x-ray, abdominal ultrasonography, intravenous urography and finally confirmed by histopathology. No complications occurred at peroperative and postoperative periods. The patients were given 3 cycles of Albendazole (10 mg/kg in two divided doses), each for a period of four weeks followed by a 2 week’s rest. The patients are under strict follow-up and no recurrence has been documented yet.

A case report on subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is the most common central nervous system helminthic infection in humans. We hereby present a case combining two rare manifestations of neurocysticercosis: the subarachnoid and intraventricular forms. The patient presented with hydrocephalus and neurologic deficits and although endoscopic removal of the cysts and two cycles of postoperative cysticidal drugs resulted in resolution of symptoms, they later recurred. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and a further cycle of albendazole plus dexamethasone led to substantial clinical improvement. Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis may be challenging to diagnose and treat and is usually associated with a poorer prognosis. Clinicians should be aware of this condition.

Pulmonary hydatid: Diagnosis and response to hypertonic saline irrigation and albendazole

Background: Pulmonary hydatid is caused by larval stage of parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Although surgery still remains the definitive therapy, various workers have tried albendazole and sterilization of cysts with varying result. Methods: 32 patients(21 males, 11 females) of pulmonary hydatid disease with average age 32.5 years(21–51 years) treated by us between Jan 97 to Apr 2001 were analysed. Diagnosis was established clinically, radiologically and by serological testing. 16 patients who had simple cyst were treated with 20 ml percutaneous hypertonic(20%) saline irrigation of the cyst along with albendazole (400 mg twice a day, 6 cycles of 4 weeks with 2 weeks drug free period between the cycles). 13 patients of complicated cysts were treated with 6 cycles of albendazole. All cases were followed up for one year. 16 patients including three fresh cases were subjected to surgical resection. Results: Pleural involvement was noted in 10 patients. On chest radiography 19 patients had homogenous oval or circular cysts, 6 patients had crescent sign and 10 had water lily sign. After percutaneous hypertonic saline irrigation all patients showed initial regression in size and developed complicated cysts with water lily sign but subsequently there was no regression. Of 13 patients treated with albendazole, 3 patients showed complete resolution and 2 patients showed regression of cyst. All these 5 patients had shown regression during first cycle of albendazole. 16 patients were subjected to surgery (6 after saline irrigation, 7 after albendazole course and 3 fresh cases). No difference was noted in these groups on histopathological examination. Conclusion: From this study it was evident that those patients who demonstrate regression in size during first cycle of albendazole are likely to benefit and improve with further cycles of it. Those who do not respond should be subjected to surgery. Result of percutaneous hypertonicsaline irrigation as scolicidal was not encouraging.

Treatment ofEchinococcus granulosushydatid disease with Albendazole

The authors report their personal experience of the treatment of 50 patients with hydatid cysts of different localization with 10-12 mg Albendazole per kg per day for three months without intervals. During the treatment patients were submitted to careful clinical, biochemical, radiological and immunological controls. In all 105 hydatid cysts were observed, and the follow-up periods ranged from six to 42 months. The side effects were not severe. Four patients were considered healed, 31 improved, and 11 showed no change. Three patients relapsed after the end of the therapy, and were treated with a further cycle of Albendazole at the same dose rates, with good effect. The observed results are encouraging, and most of the patients did not require surgery.