Update in:

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 1999;(4):CD000215.

Drugs for treating neurocysticercosis (tapeworm infection of the brain).

Departamento de Ciencias Neurologicas, Universidad de Chile, Instituto de Neurocirugia, Avda JM Infante 553, Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: Anthelminthic drugs may shrink brain cysts in neurocysticercosis, but can also cause severe adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of drug treatment in human neurocysticercosis in relation to survival, cyst persistence, subsequent seizures and hydrocephalus. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register and Medline. We contacted researchers and experts in the field and drug manufacturers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing a cysticidal drug with a placebo or a control group receiving symptomatic therapy, in patients with neurocystercosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Assessment of trial quality and data extraction was done independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies involving 305 people met the inclusion criteria. None reported on withdrawal of anticonvulsant therapy, headache relief, disability or death as outcomes. A difference just approaching significance was detected between cysticidal therapy and placebo in relation to cyst persistence up to six months (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.99). Two trials reported on seizures after one to two years follow-up and found no difference (relative risk 0.95, 95% 0.59 to 1.51). There was no difference detected for hydrocephalus (relative risk 2.19, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 16.55). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to assess whether cysticidal therapy in neurocysticerosis is associated with beneficial effects.

PMID: 10796510 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]