Short course albendazole treatment for neurocysticercosis in Columbia.
The efficacy of albendazole was evaluated in 20 Colombian patients with neurocysticercosis showing neurological symptoms. All had parenchymal non-enhancing cystic images by computerized tomography and a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cysticercus antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid. They stayed in hospital for 8 d during treatment with albendazole, 15 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses, and were then followed for at least 6 months after treatment. The number of cysts was reduced by 50% after 6 months. In 7 (35%) all cysts disappeared, in 7 (35%) the number was reduced, and in the remaining 6 (30%) the number was unchanged. In the 13 patients who still had cysts at 6 months, 11 showed a moderate decrease in average cyst size and in 2 the size was unchanged. Side effects during treatment were observed in 60% of the cases, but only 3 required corticosteroids.
Botero
D
D
School of Medicine and University Hospital, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.
Uribe
C S
CS
Sanchez
J L
JL
Alzate
T
T
Velasquez
G
G
Ocampo
N E
NE
Villa
L A
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015766:Albendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D003105:Colombia; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015766:Albendazole