Efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of neurocysticercosis in Vietnam
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.39.3.018
- Author:
Thang, T.D.
1
;
Phuc, T.Q.
2
;
Thanh, D.T.
2
;
Thieu, N.Q.
2
;
Tho, T.H.
2
;
Loi, C.B.
2
;
Tran-Anh, L.
3
Author Information
1. Thai Thuong Hoang hospital, Vinh, Nghe An, Vietnam
2. National Institute of Malaria, Parasitology and Entomology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
3. Department of Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Neurocysticercosis;
praziquantel;
efficacy;
safety
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2022;39(No.3):462-466
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the nervous system and is responsible for considerable
morbidity and mortality. Praziquantel (PZQ) is one of the antiparasitics mostly used in managing NCC,
however, there have been only a few studies on the treatment outcome of this drug. The present
study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PZQ in patients with NCC. Sixty patients with typical
characteristics of NCC received three 10-day cycles of PZQ and the interruption between these cycles
was 10 days. Additional treatment included antiinflammation (steroids), antiepileptics and analgesics.
Clinical and imaging studies were done at baseline and six months after therapy to assess the efficacy
of treatment. Laboratory evaluation was done before and after each cycle to investigate laboratory
safety profiles. By six months after finishing therapy, all patients had clinical improvement and 75% of
them were free of symptoms. The rates of complete, partial or no resolution of cysts on brain magnetic
resonance imaging were 61.7%, 28.3% and 10% respectively. The efficacy of therapy was not associated
with the number of cysts. There was no difference between the levels of aspartate aminotransferase,
alanine aminotransferase, urea and creatinine before and after treatment. Conclusion: Praziquantel is
effective and safe in the treatment of patients with neurocysticercosis.
- Full text:8.2022my1363.pdf
