[Combined echinococcosis management in children].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Combined echinococcosis presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in children.
• The study focuses on liver and lung involvement, common in pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the diagnostic and treatment outcomes of combined echinococcosis in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies for managing parasitic cysts in multiple organs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 51 children diagnosed with combined echinococcosis.
• Detailed examination of lesion distribution, including liver, lungs, and other organs.
• Assessment of surgical and medical treatment approaches for various cyst sizes.

Main Results:

• Combined lesions were observed in 78.4% of patients, frequently involving the liver and lungs.
• Small cysts were present in 37.5% of combined liver and other organ lesions.
• Postoperative complications occurred in 11.8% of cases, with a 3.9% recurrence rate; no deaths were reported.

Conclusions:

• Uneven cyst growth in combined echinococcosis necessitates tailored treatment strategies.
• Conservative management of small cysts and optimized surgical timing can significantly reduce complications and recurrence.
• Medical therapy for small cysts and shorter intervals between surgeries are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric combined echinococcosis.