Efficacy of Albendazole and Short-Course Prednisolone Treatment in Children with One or Two Ring-Enhancing Lesions of Neurocysticercosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • PK Swain Dept of Paediatrics, Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal
  • A Thapalial Dept of Paediatrics. Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal
  • RN Das Dept of Medicine, Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal
  • MS Dhaliwal Dept of Paediatrics. Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal
  • K Subedi Dept of Paediatrics. Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v27i2.1410

Keywords:

Prednisolone, Albendazole, Neurocysticercosis and Children

Abstract

Context: Neurocysticercosis is a endemic disease in Nepal causing social and financial burden on society and developmental problem in children. Aims: To determine the efficacy of albendazole plus oral prednisolone in children with 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions (by CT) on resolution of lesions and recurrence of seizure.

Setting and Design: Randomized controlled open trial.

Methods and Materials: Children with 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions < 20 mm in diameter on computed tomography scan, likely to have Neurocysticercosis, were assigned to treatment & control groups. Children assigned to the treatment group (n = 50) were given 2.0 mg/kg per day prednisolone orally for 5 days plus 15 mg/kg per day albendazole on third day for 28 days. Anti epileptic drugs were given to both groups {including Control group (n = 51)}.

Statistical Analysis: The results were analysed with the use of Epi Info version 6.04 and Stata version;7 software.

Results: The lesions resolved completely or partially in more children in the treated group compared with the control group (p = .04 & p = 0.03). The proportion of children who had seizures was significantly lower in the treated group compared with the control group at 6 months (10% versus 33%; p = .006) and 12 months (14% versus 38%; p = .003).

Conclusion: Albendazole plus Prednisolone increased resolution of lesions on computed tomography scan and reduced the risk of subsequent recurrence of seizures among children with Neurocysticercosis.

Key words: Prednisolone, Albendazole, Neurocysticercosis and Children.  

doi:10.3126/jnps.v27i2.1410  

J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.27(2) p.60-63

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How to Cite

Swain, P., Thapalial, A., Das, R., Dhaliwal, M., & Subedi, K. (2009). Efficacy of Albendazole and Short-Course Prednisolone Treatment in Children with One or Two Ring-Enhancing Lesions of Neurocysticercosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 27(2), 60–63. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v27i2.1410

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Original Articles