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Albendazole in neurocysticercosis
M V Padma1, M Behari, N K Misra
1Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Albendazole treatment for one week did not alter the natural progression of neurocysticercosis in Indian patients. This study found no significant difference in cyst reduction between albendazole and placebo groups over three months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Parenchymatous cysticercus cysts are prevalent in India, unlike the meningeal racemose form common in Latin America.
- Previous studies from Mexico indicated albendazole's efficacy in treating neurocysticercosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if albendazole influences the natural course of neurocysticercosis in the Indian population.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 7-day albendazole regimen in managing neurocysticercosis.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 29 patients with suspected neurocysticercosis.
- Patients received either 7 days of albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) or a placebo.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to assess cyst count and edema at baseline, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Sixteen patients were treated with albendazole and 13 with placebo.
- No significant changes were observed at one week.
- At three months, a reduction of over 25% in lesion count was seen in 14 albendazole patients and 10 placebo patients, with no statistically significant difference between groups.
Conclusions:
- A one-week course of albendazole at 15 mg/kg/day does not appear to alter the natural course of neurocysticercosis.
- Further research may be needed to determine optimal treatment durations or alternative therapies for neurocysticercosis in India.