Clinical and serological evolution in chronic Chagas disease patients in a 4-year pharmacotherapy follow-up: a preliminary study.
BACKGROUND
The role of trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease remains controversial.


METHODS
A total of 13 patients with chronic Chagas disease were treated with benznidazole (5mg/kg/day/60 days) and surveyed via antibody measurement and conventional electrocardiogram over the course of 4 years.


RESULTS
The antibody titers were significantly reduced after 4 years (p<0.05). Most of the patients showed maintenance of the initial clinical picture (electrocardiographic), with the exception of 4 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Although trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease was of limited effectiveness, we believe that it is beneficial in treating these patients.
Mônica Coelho
MC
Andrade
Maria de Fátima
Mde F
Oliveira
Aparecida Tiemi
AT
Nagao-Dias
Ivo Castelo Branco
IC
Coêlho
Darlan da Silva
Dda S
Cândido
Erlane Chaves
EC
Freitas
Helena Lutéscia Luna
HL
Coelho
Fernando Schemelzer Moraes
FS
Bezerra
D000328:Adult; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000276:immunology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D009593:Nitroimidazoles; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents; C009999:benzonidazole