Neurocysticercosis in patients presenting with epilepsy at St Elizabeth's Hospital, Lusikisiki.
OBJECTIVE
To survey the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients treated for epilepsy in Lusikisiki, E Cape.


METHODS
This was a descriptive study. Variables considered were age, gender, symptoms and type of seizure, serological data, electroencephalogram and computed tomography (CT) findings, treatment, and ownership of pigs. Prevalence and risk assessment were determined by statistical analysis.


METHODS
113 patients presenting with epilepsy at St Elizabeth's Hospital, Lusikisiki, E Cape.


METHODS
Prevalence of neurocysticercosis in patients presenting with epilepsy.


RESULTS
CT scans indicated that 61.1% of the patients had neurocysticercosis-associated epilepsy, the prevalence being highest in the 10 - 19-year-old age group (12.4% of the total). Neuro-imaging studies showed that calcified lesions were frequent, while active lesions were often associated with positive serological results. Non-commercial pig farming was not a significant risk factor for neurocysticercosis in the sample studied.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurocysticercosis was common in patients presenting with and undergoing treatment for epilepsy.
Serrano Ocana
Gilberto
G
St Elizabeth's Hospital, Lusikisiki, E Cape.
Ortiz Sablon
Juan Carlos
JC
Ochoa Tamayo
Ilen
I
Almaguer Arena
Leonardo
L
Serrano Ocana
Luz Maria
LM
Govender
Sharlene
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003552:Cysticercus / Q000276:immunology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G