[Continuous therapy with albendazole for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis associated with obstructive jaundice]

To observe clinical results of continuous therapy with albendazole for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis associated with obstructive jaundice, we treated 6 patients continuously with albendazole at a dosage of 20 mg.kg-1.d-1. Jaundice disappeared and serum bilirubin level returned to normal within 1-2.5 months in the patients. Ultrasound and/or CT scanning of liver before treatment displayed irregular heterogenous lesions, obscure hilar region with marked intrahepatic biliary dilatation. In one severe jaundiced patient, the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct were dilated and the portal and splenic veins were also distended with marked splenomegaly. Two patients were followed up for 3-9 year after cessation of treatment, their hepatic lesions were almost completely calcified and considered cured. The other four patients were still subjected to treatment one year later. CT and ultrasound scanning showed marked improvement of intrahepatic lesions and disappearance of intrahepatic biliary dilatation. Liver function tests returned to normal except that serum globulin remained elevated in 2 cases. Clinical observation and CT scanning of liver indicated that continuous therapy with albendazole is effective in the treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis associated with obstructive jaundice. No adverse side reactions were seen.