Efficacy of Albendazole and Short-Course Prednisolone Treatment in Children with One or Two Ring-Enhancing Lesions of Neurocysticercosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
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Date
2007-07
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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.
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Keywords
Prednisolone, Albendazole, Neurocysticercosis and Children
Citation
Swain P K, Thapalial A, Das R N, Dhaliwal M S, Subedi K. 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. 2007 Jul-Dec; 27(2): 60-63.