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Childhood neurocysticercosis in south India
1Department of Neurology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Pondicherry.
Insights
This study reports 21 childhood neurocysticercosis cases, with seizures being the most common symptom. Praziquantel treatment showed promising results in most patients, highlighting its potential for managing this parasitic brain infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Neurocysticercosis is a significant cause of acquired epilepsy and neurological disorders in endemic areas.
- Childhood neurocysticercosis presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze cases of childhood neurocysticercosis.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 pediatric cases diagnosed between 1985-1989.
- Diagnostic criteria included CSF serology, CT scans, brain biopsy, and autopsy.
- Treatment with Praziquantel was assessed in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- The study included 21 children (9 males, 12 females) aged 5-15 years.
- Common presentations were convulsive seizures (14 cases), raised intracranial pressure (6 cases), and meningoencephalitis (1 case).
- Praziquantel therapy in 4 cases resulted in significant neurological improvement in 3, with 1 fatality due to acute reaction.
Conclusions:
- Neurocysticercosis is a notable cause of neurological morbidity in children in the studied region.
- Diagnostic modalities like CSF serology and CT scans are crucial for identifying the condition.
- Praziquantel demonstrates therapeutic potential but requires careful monitoring due to possible adverse reactions.
Abstract:
A total of 21 cases of childhood neurocysticercosis seen over five years (1985-89) at JIPMER hospital Pondicherry, are reported. Nine of these patients were males and twelve females. Their age ranged between 5 to 15 years. The presenting features were convulsive seizures (14), features of raised intracranial pressure (6) and meningoencephalitis syndrome (1). Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was based on positive CSF serological tests (11), CT morphology (11), brain biopsy (1) and autopsy (1). Praziquantel therapy was given in 4 cases, 3 of them showed remarkable improvement in neurological status and one died of acute reaction.