[Treatment of hepatic and pulmonary echinococcosis with mebendazole (Vermox)]

The therapeutic efficacy of Mebendazole (Vermox) was studied in 13 patients: 8 with liver and 5 with pulmonary echinococcosis. The drug was given in a dose of 50-70 mg/kg body mass. Good therapeutic effect was found in 4 patients (2 with liver nad 2 with pulmonary echinococcosis), partial therapeutic efficiency was registered also in 4 patients (2 with liver and 2 with pulmonary echinococcosis) and failure in 5 patients. The drug was more effective in pulmonary echinococcosis, in younger and smaller cysts than in older cysts with thick walls and presence of filial cysts. The efficacy of the treatment is related to the drug plasma concentration but the results depend on the cysts condition, too. The careful examination of the patients--X-ray, ultrasonography and computer tomography--before, during and after the treatment ensures objective evaluation of the treatment results.