Is praziquantel therapy safe during pregnancy?

Abstract

Schistosomiasis control programmes are generally based on mass distribution of praziquantel (PZQ). This approach has been further strengthened by studies that demonstrated reduction in schistosomiasis-related morbidity following regular use of PZQ. Many women were excluded from this therapy when pregnant. Since a high degree of parity is achieved in many schistosomiasis-endemic regions, excluded women often miss treatment and consequently the beneficial effect of this therapy. This study investigated the effect of PZQ therapy on pregnancy in the Gezira region of Sudan. As part of the Blue Nile Health Project, more than 320,000 individuals received annual treatment with PZQ from 1980 to 1990. The present study reviewed the treatment records of all women between 1990 and 1995 in four villages. Eighty-eight of 637 women interviewed had received PZQ during their pregnancy. The outcome and the effect of PZQ therapy on their offspring were compared with a group of 549 women who had not received the drug during pregnancy. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of abortion or preterm deliveries. No congenital abnormalities were noted by clinical examination in any of the babies born to either group. This retrospective study suggested that PZQ therapy is safe during pregnancy.

Schistosoma mansoni infection among prenatal attendees at a secondary‐care hospital in central Sudan

“…Based on previous observations [15], a cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1 and September 30, 2010, at a prenatal care clinic at Araba Waeshreen Hospital, Geizera, Sudan. Pregnant women attending prenatal care for the first time were invited to participate in the study.…”

“…Although data on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis during pregnancy are available for other African countries [10,13,14], no published data exist for Sudan. The present study was carried out as part of the surveys conducted by the Sudan Ministry of Health and the University of Khartoum to provide data necessary for required interventions and to add to previous research on schistosomiasis among pregnant women [15,16].…”

Praziquantel Treatment in Trematode and Cestode Infections: An Update

“…A desensitization procedure was performed in a patient with paragonimiasis using small to increasing doses (30, 60, 100, 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 mg) of praziquantel at 90 min intervals, and the patient was then successfully treated with the standard dose of praziquantel (75 mg/kg daily for 3 consecutive days) [7]. In pregnant women, praziquantel treatment at a single dose of 40 mg/kg was found effective and safe for treatment of S. mansoni infection [80, 81]. …”

Effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection and Mirazid treatment on pregnant mice and their fetuses

“…In marine models and two observational studies in humans, Schistosoma infection during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight, although a recent treatment trial in Schistosoma mansoni did not detect this association. Adam et al (2004) reported that there were no significant differences between the group which received PZQ during pregnancy compared with which had not received the drug during pregnancy in the rate of abortion or preterm deliveries. No congenital abnormalities were noted by clinical examination in any of the babies born to either group.…”