Frequency, severity, and costs of adverse reactions following mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis using diethylcarbamazine and albendazole in Leogane, Haiti, 2000.
In October 2000, 71,187 persons were treated for lymphatic filariasis using albendazole and diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or DEC alone in Leogane, Haiti. We documented the frequency of adverse reactions, severity and cost of treatment. Adverse reactions were classified as minor, moderate, or severe. Overall, 24% (17,421) of the treated persons reported one or more adverse reactions. There were 15,916 (91%) minor and 1502 (9%) moderate adverse reaction reports. Men outnumbered women 2:1 in reporting moderate problems. Three patients, representing roughly one in 25,000 persons treated, were hospitalized with severe adverse reactions judged to be treatment-associated by physician review. The cost per person treated for adverse reactions was more than twice the cost per person treated for lymphatic filariasis (dollar 1.60 versus dollar 0.71). Severe adverse reactions to lymphatic filariasis treatment using DEC with or without albendazole are uncommon. Minor and moderate reactions are more commonly reported and their management represents a challenge to lymphatic filariasis elimination programs.
McLaughlin
Steven I
SI
Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. swm4@cdc.gov
Radday
Jeanne
J
Michel
Marie Carmel
MC
Addiss
David G
DG
Beach
Michael J
MJ
Lammie
Patrick J
PJ
Lammie
John
J
Rheingans
Richard
R
Lafontant
Jack
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015766:Albendazole / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005369:Filaricides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006205:Haiti; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors
D000871:Anthelmintics; D005369:Filaricides; D015766:Albendazole; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine