Related Experiment Videos
[Severe liver involvement by Capillaria hepatica]
J Pannenbecker1, T C Miller, J Müller
1Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik, Universität Würzburg.
Insights
Human hepatic capillariasis, a rare parasitic infection primarily affecting young children, presents with severe symptoms like fever and liver enlargement. This case report details a successful treatment approach in Germany using Thiabendazole and Ivermectin.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Tropical Medicine
Context:
- Human hepatic capillariasis is a rare parasitic disease predominantly affecting children aged 1-4 years.
- This is the first documented case of human hepatic capillariasis in Germany.
- The infection has a poor prognosis in extensive cases, characterized by severe parasitosis symptoms.
Purpose:
- To report the first case of human hepatic capillariasis in Germany.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight a potential therapeutic strategy for this challenging disease.
Summary:
- The case involved an 18-month-old girl presenting with persistent high fever, hepatomegaly, and extreme hypereosinophilia, indicative of severe parasitosis.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via liver biopsy, revealing intracellular Capillaria eggs.
- The patient developed liver fibrosis and was treated with high-dose Thiabendazole, two doses of Ivermectin, and Decortin to manage granulomatous inflammation, leading to survival.
Impact:
- This report expands the geographical understanding of human hepatic capillariasis.
- It provides valuable insights into the clinical management and therapeutic outcomes for a rare pediatric liver disease.
- The successful treatment regimen may inform future clinical practice for similar cases.
Abstract:
Human hepatic capillariasis is a rare disease, which predominantly affects children aged 1 to 4 years and has a poor prognosis in extensive infections. This is the first case observed in Germany. The main symptoms are those of severe parasitosis: persistent high fever, hepatomegaly, and excessive hypereosinophilia. Diagnosis is confirmed by the finding of intracellular typical eggs in liver biopsy. There is a lack of established therapy; our 18 months old girl developed liver fibrosis. She survived under a prolonged treatment with high doses of Thiabendazole and two single doses of Ivermectine. Decortin was given to inhibit further granulomatous processes in the liver.