Efficacy of albendazole and short-course dexamethasone treatment in children with 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions of neurocysticercosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Author(s): Kalra V, Dua T, Kumar V

Affiliation(s): Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. vkalra@medinst.ernet.in

Publication date & source: 2003-07, J Pediatr., 143(1):111-4.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of albendazole plus dexamethasone in children with 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions (by computed tomography scan) on resolution of lesions and recurrence of seizure. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled open trial. METHODS: Children of either sex, 1 to 14 years of age, with seizures and 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions <20 mm in diameter on computed tomography scan, likely to have neurocysticercosis, were assigned to treatment l groups. Children assigned to the treatment group (n=61) were given 0.15 mg/kg per day dexamethasone for 5 days plus 15 mg/kg per day albendazole for 28 days, starting on the third day of dexamethasone. Control group (n=62) children were given neither dexamethasone or albendazole. Anti-epileptic therapy was given to both the study groups. RESULTS: The lesions resolved completely or partially in more children in the treated group compared with the control group (79% versus 57%; P=.02). The proportion of children who had seizures was significantly lower in the treated group compared with the control group at 3 months (10% versus 32%; P=.006) and 6 months (13% versus 33%; P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Albendazole plus dexamethasone increased complete or partial resolution of lesions and reduced the risk of subsequent recurrence of seizures among children with neurocysticercosis who had with seizures and 1 or 2 ring-enhancing lesions on computed tomography.