Human cystic hydatid disease: treatment with interrupted courses of mebendazole

Ten patients suffering from intra-abdominal cystic hydatid disease, confirmed by serological tests and CT scan were treated with mebendazole. Each received 1800 mg day-1 either as a continuous therapy for 18 weeks, or as interrupted 6-week courses for a minimum of three courses, with intervals of 19-22 weeks between the courses. One patient dropped out of the study because of the development of jaundice 11 days after initiation of treatment. Nine patients were treated and followed up for the minimum of 20 months; of these, three patients received continuous therapy and six received interrupted therapy. One patient from the continuous therapy group showed progressive regression of his cyst, one showed minimal radiological changes only, while the third patient showed minimal radiological changes plus per-operative evidence of partial destruction of the cyst. Of those treated with interrupted therapy, one patient showed continuous progression in the size of the cyst with the appearance of a new cyst, although there was radiological and operative evidence of partial destruction of the cyst. One patient initially showed regression, but later progression of his cyst, while four patients showed no benefit from the treatment.