Evaluation of albendazole efficiency and complications in patients with pulmonary hydatid cyst

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the efficacy and complications of albendazole use after surgery in patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts. METHODS One hundred fifty-three consecutive patients who met the study criteria out of 215 patients who received prophylaxis with albendazole after surgery for isolated pulmonary hydatid cysts in our clinic between January 2011 and December 2020 were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS Eighty-six out of 153 (56.2%) of cases were male and 67 (43.8%) were female. The average age was 24.6 ± 17.4 (between 3 and 71 years), 76 of them (49.7%) were 18 years old and younger, while 77 (50.3%) were adults. All cases were approached transthoracically and a total of 170 operations were performed on the 153 cases. Fever, weakness and dizziness were reported in only one patient who was given albendazole treatment. A partial increase in liver enzymes was observed in 16 cases (10.5%) after albendazole treatment. Mild leukopoenia and neutropenia were observed in only one of the cases. In 1 case, a second operation was performed 30 months later due to recurrence. Albendazole treatment was not required to be discontinued in any of the cases. Mortality was not observed in any of the cases. Factors such as mean age, cyst size and hospitalization period did not have a statistically significant effect on any changes in liver enzymes tests following albendazole therapy (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Albendazole treatment can safely be used for postoperative prophylaxis in patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts in a controlled manner without causing serious complications. Subj collection 152.

Parasitic lung diseases

“…The disease was reported in South America, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Russia and China and its prevalence was estimated to be up to 79 cases per 100 000 people [ 62 ]. Pulmonary hydatid disease accounts for 20–30% of hydatid disease [ 63 , 64 ].…”

“…One study of 12 patients with pulmonary hydatid disease showed a cure rate of 72% and there was no change in 18% patients using albendazole (800 mg·day −1 ) for four courses with each course lasting 28 days followed by 14 days drug free [ 71 ]. The use of albendazole is not recommended pre-operatively due to thinning of the capsule but it is used post-operatively [ 64 , 72 ] as surgical therapy and is associated with a high recurrence rate of 25% [ 73 ]. In one study, pre-operative albendazole therapy was associated with a reduction in the tensile strength values of the cuticular membrane of the hydatid cysts [ 72 ].…”

Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst in Children: A Single-Institution Experience

“…Preoperative albendazole treatment in pulmonary echinococcosis is not preferred because of cyst wall rupture for years [ 23 , 24 ]. Postoperative use of albendazole for three or six months has become routine worldwide.…”

Heart-Shaped lung hydatid cyst in a chest radiograph

“…Hydatid cysts may present with different radiological appearances depending on the affected organ and the site, nature, and size of the cyst. Treatment is surgical, and the use of albendazole is recommended to prevent postoperative recurrences 3 .…”