Clinical and serological evolution in chronic Chagas disease patients in a 4-year pharmacotherapy follow-up: a preliminary study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The role of trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease remains controversial.

METHODS:

A total of 13 patients with chronic Chagas disease were treated with benznidazole (5mg/kg/day/60 days) and surveyed via antibody measurement and conventional electrocardiogram over the course of 4 years.

RESULTS:

The antibody titers were significantly reduced after 4 years (p<0.05). Most of the patients showed maintenance of the initial clinical picture (electrocardiographic), with the exception of 4 cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although trypanocidal therapy in the chronic phase of Chagas disease was of limited effectiveness, we believe that it is beneficial in treating these patients.

• Authors: Mônica Coelho Andrade, Maria de Fátima Oliveira, Aparecida Tiemi Nagao-Dias, Ivo Castelo Branco Coêlho, Darlan da Silva Cândido, Erlane Chaves Freitas, Helena Lutéscia Luna Coelho, Fernando Schemelzer Moraes Bezerra
• Journal: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Rev Soc Bras Med Trop) 2013 Nov-Dec Vol. 46 Issue 6 Pg. 776-8 ISSN: 1678-9849 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 24474023 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Protozoan
• Nitroimidazoles
• Trypanocidal Agents
• benzonidazole

Topics

• Adult
• Antibodies, Protozoan (blood)
• Chagas Disease (blood, drug therapy)
• Chronic Disease
• Electrocardiography
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nitroimidazoles (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Trypanocidal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Trypanosoma cruzi (immunology)