Abstract
Introduction:The standard treatment for hydatid cyst is surgery, but in cases where there are multiple cysts in vital organs, treatment with drugs such as those of benzimidazole family (albendazole-mebendazole) will be substituted if the patient is at high risk for surgery. In this study, concomitant treatment of hydatid cyst with albendazole and an effective drug on protoscolices from the isoquinoline family called praziquantel was assessed in humans.
Methods: In this study, 10 patients with multiple cysts were treated with albendazole 400 mg twice daily and praziquantel 40 mg twice daily for 3 months. Patients were followed for recurrence of lesions for an average of 18 months after the end of treatment.
Results: A complete clinical improvement and a partial clinical improvement were observed in 7 cases (70%) and 3 cases (30%), respectively. Radiologically, there was a complete improvement in 6 cases (60%) and partial improvement in 4 cases (40%). Further, one of the patients underwent histopathological examination after the end of treatment, indicating the complete disappearance of the germ layer.
Conclusion: The combined use of albendazole and praziquantel can be used as an alternative treatment in patients with hydatid cysts disseminated in vital organs or patients at high risk of surgery.