Albendazole-induced bicytopenia

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Hepatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Echinococcosis is a significant parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, frequently affecting the liver (55-70% of cases).
• Treatment modalities include surgery, medical therapy (commonly albendazole), and the minimally invasive PAIR technique (Puncture Aspiration Injection Reaspiration).
• Albendazole is a primary agent for medical management, often used adjunctively with PAIR to reduce recurrence and manage complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of albendazole-induced bone marrow toxicity.
• To highlight the potential for severe hematological side effects beyond the commonly observed elevations in liver enzymes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on Echinococcosis treatment and albendazole side effects.
• Clinical case presentation of a patient experiencing specific adverse events.

Main Results:

• The patient developed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia during albendazole therapy for Echinococcosis.
• These hematological toxicities are rare complications of albendazole, with elevated liver enzymes being more common.

Conclusions:

• Albendazole, while effective, carries a risk of rare but serious bone marrow suppression.
• Clinicians should monitor for hematological parameters in patients undergoing albendazole treatment for Echinococcosis.