Albendazole in neurocysticercosis.

BACKGROUND

In India, parenchymatous cysticercus cysts are more common than the meningeal racemose variety which are seen frequently in Latin America. Reports from Mexico suggest that albendazole is effective in the treatment of neurocysticercosis. We, therefore, studied whether this drug changed the natural course of neurocysticercosis in India.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, we allocated 29 consecutive patients (22 men and 7 women) with multiple cystic lesions on computed tomography (CT) of the head suggestive of cysticercosis to 7 days treatment with albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) or placebo. CT scans were repeated at the end of treatment and 1 and 3 months later to assess the number of cysts and extent of oedema.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients received albendazole and 13 placebo. No change was seen at the end of one week. At 3 months, 14 patients in the albendazole group and 10 in the placebo group showed more than 25% reduction in the number of lesions. The difference between the two groups was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Albendazole given in a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for 1 week does not change the natural course of neurocysticercosis.