One-week therapy with oral albendazole in hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans: A retrospective study on 78 patients

Abstract

We evaluated retrospectively the efficacy and tolerability of oral albendazole (400 mg/day for 1 week) in 78 patients with hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans characterized by multiple and/or extensive lesions. The diagnosis was based on history and the clinical picture. Neither topical or systemic drugs nor physical treatments were used. All patients were followed-up for at least 3 months after the therapy. All patients were cured at the end of the therapy. The disappearance of pruritus was reported after 2-3 days and skin lesions after 5-7 days of therapy. One patient reported nausea and abdominal pain; another patient reported worsening of pruritus: in both cases it was not necessary to stop the therapy. No recurrences were observed during follow-up. One week of therapy with 400 mg/day oral albendazole is very effective (cure rate: 100%) in patients with cutaneous larva migrans characterized by multiple and/or extensive lesions. This therapeutical regimen is not accompanied by the appearance of new and/or more severe side effects.

S1‐Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie der kutanen Larva migrans (Creeping disease)

“…Two patients reported nausea or increased pruritus related to the drug [23]. Other published case series and retrospective analyses have reported different dosages and treatment durations.…”

“…Aufgrund der Eintrittspforte oder aufgrund von Kratzexkoriationen kann sich jedoch sekundär eine bakterielle Infektion (zum Beispiel ein Erysipel) entwickeln, eine vor allem in den Endemiegebieten häufige Komplikation. [23]. In weiteren publizierten Fallserien oder retrospektiven Erhebungen kamen verschiedene Dosen und Behandlungsdauern zum Einsatz, wobei unter 800 mg/Tag für 3 Tage 100%ige Heilungsraten, unter 400 mg/Tag hingegen einzelne Therapieversager berichtet wurden [24], [25].…”

Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans acquired in the UK

“…When comparing single dose regimens; higher cure rates with ivermectin (81–100%) in comparison to albendazole (46–100%) are reported 20 22. In more extensive or multiple lesions, a 7-day course of albendazole (100% cure rate) has been advised 23. The optimum treatment regimen advised appears to be dependent on the extent of the clinical presentation.…”

What's New in Travel-Associated Dermatology?

“…The authors found cure rates of 89% among 77 patients treated for 3 days in Togo, Africa, 16 and 100% among 78 patients treated for 7 days in Italy. 17 …”