title: Adverse reactions following mass drug administration with diethylcarbamazine in lymphatic filariasis endemic areas in the Northeast of Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched with the goal of eliminating this disease via the annual mass drug administration (MDA) of a single dose of antifilarial drugs. Adverse drug reactions following MDA are a major factor of poor treatment adherence in several countries. This study assessed the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) following the first round of mass treatment in two communities treated with different dosages of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) in the City of Recife, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted in a random sample of the population living in both communities (Areas I and II). The dose of DEC recommended by the WHO (6mg/kg) was calculated based on the individual's weight-for-age. In Area II, weight differences between the genders were also considered when determining dosage. Data were obtained through interviews conducted in the first 12 to 48h and on the 5th day after MDA during household visits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 487 and 365 individuals were interviewed in Areas I and II, respectively. The prevalence of ADRs in Area I (23.6; 95%CI: 19.1-29.5) was higher than in Area II (16.2; 95%CI:11.9-21.5)(p=0.0078). The prevalence of ADRs among females was higher than in males in Area I (p=0.0021). In Area II, no significant difference between the genders was observed (p=0.1840). Age was not associated with ADRs in either area.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adjusting MDA dosage schedules according to weight-for-age and sex may be may contribute to reduce the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in the population.
authors.affiliation: Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE. anwladia@bol.com.br
authors.forename: Ana Wládia
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: Zulma
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Medeiros
authors.forename: Zailde Carvalho Dos
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Gertrudes Monteiro da
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Braga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D005369:Filaricides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005369:Filaricides; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine