[African trypanosomiasis in children treated with eflornithine. A case]

Author(s): Benhamou PH, Chandenier J, Schechter PJ, Epelbaum S, Tell GP, Haegele KD, Pautard JC, Piussan C

Affiliation(s): Service de Pediatrie I, Centre hospitalier regional et universitaire, Amiens.

Publication date & source: 1989-06-17, Presse Med., 18(24):1199-202.

Publication type: Case Reports

We report the case of a 14-year old African girl presenting with late-stage African T. gambiense trypanosomiasis. She was treated with eflornithine, an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor which is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamine. Polyamines are essential to the multiplication of trypanosomes. Two treatment courses were necessary to achieve an apparent cure after one year; however, a longer follow up will be required to confirm whether or not the cure is permanent. Determination of drug concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid was performed during the second treatment course. Side-effects were easily controlled.