Related Experiment Videos
[Multivesicular hepatic hydatidosis in childhood. Its relation with specific pharmacologic treatment]
Abstract:
Four cases of multivesicular hepatic hydatidosis are reported. Two of them were affected by exogenous growth. All patients had undergone a long-term treatment with mebendazole at the usual doses. We are contrasting our experience in the use of such drug and the previous reports by other authors. In our opinion, as mebendazole acts on the cyst in a double way (both inhibiting glucose uptake by the larva and modifying the structure of the cyst membranes) ir induces the cyst multivesiculation which is a sign of suffering or resistance of the parasite. Despite the fact that previous reports, and also one of the cases reported by us, point to a favourable evolution of the hepatic hydatidosis after treatment with Mebendazole, the possibility that the multivesicular cyst-with a more spreading growth and a surgical treatment which is occasionally more difficult, may be induced by that drug would perhaps discourage its use.
Insights
Mebendazole treatment for hepatic hydatidosis can induce multivesiculation in parasitic cysts, potentially indicating parasite resistance. This cyst modification may complicate treatment outcomes despite some favorable responses observed.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatic hydatidosis is a parasitic infection of the liver caused by Echinococcus granulosus.
- Long-term mebendazole treatment is a common therapeutic approach for hydatidosis.
Observation:
- Four cases of multivesicular hepatic hydatidosis are presented, with two exhibiting exogenous growth.
- All patients received long-term mebendazole treatment at standard dosages.
Findings:
- Mebendazole's dual action (inhibiting glucose uptake and altering cyst membranes) appears to induce multivesiculation.
- This multivesiculation may signify parasite suffering or resistance to mebendazole.
Implications:
- While some cases show favorable outcomes, induced multivesiculation could lead to more invasive parasite growth and complex surgical interventions.
- The potential for mebendazole to induce these cyst changes warrants careful consideration in treatment strategies for hepatic hydatidosis.