SHORT-COURSE ALBENDAZOLE TREATMENT FOR NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS IN COLUMBIA

The efficacy of albendazole was evaluated in 20 Colombian patients wit h neurocysticercosis showing neurological symptoms. All had parenchyma l non-enhancing cystic images by computerized tomography and a positiv e enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cysticercus antibodies in seru m or cerebrospinal fluid They stayed in hospital for 8 d during treatm ent with albendazole, 15 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses, and were then fol lowed for at least 6 months after treatment. The number of cysts was r educed by 50% after 6 months. In 7 (35%) all cysts disappeared, in 7 ( 35%) the number was reduced, and in the remaining 6 (30%) the number w as unchanged. In the 13 patients who still had cysts at 6 months, 11 s howed a moderate decrease in average cyst size and in 2 the size was u nchanged. Side effects during treatment were observed in 60% of the ca ses, but only 3 required corticosteroids.