Single dose oral treatment in urinary schistosomiasis: a double blind trial.
A double blind trial of three oral preparations given in single doses for the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium infection was carried out in schoolchildren; selection was biased towards those who excreted large quantities of eggs. Praziquantel 40 mg/kg was the most effective drug giving a greater than 97% reduction in egg output six months after treatment; combined treatment with niridazole 25 mg/kg and metrifonate 10 mg/kg gave a reduction of greater than 92% and metrifonate 10 mg/kg alone a reduction of greater than 86%. Fewer children continued to have moderate to heavy infections (excretion greater than 124 ova/10 ml urine) six months after treatment with praziquantel (5%) and the combined regimen (7%) than with metrifonate (16%). Though our findings show that praziquantel appears to be the most effective and convenient drug available for individuals with S haematobium infection, the combined regimen is a cheaper alternative for treatment where cost is important and parasitological cure not an essential objective.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009560:Niridazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012548:Schistosoma haematobium; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014236:Trichlorfon / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D007546:Isoquinolines; D011223:Praziquantel; D014236:Trichlorfon; D009560:Niridazole