Efficacy of ablendazole emulsion in treatment of 212 patients with cystic echinococcosis

Objective To verify the efficacy of abendazole emulsion, a new formulation of abendazole, in treatment of human cystic echinococcosis. Methods 212 patients with liver cystic echinococcosis were treated orally with albendazole emulsion at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg or 12\^5 mg/kg for 3 to 12 months or over one year. The therapeutic efficacy was mainly \{evaluated\} by image feature examined with B utrasound examination, a short-term efficacy at the completion of treatment and a long-term efficacy followed-up for 1-4 years. Results In 212 patients treated with albendazole emulsion at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg and 12\^5 mg/kg, the average cure rate, improved rate and the rate of no avail were 74\^5%, 99\^1% and 0\^9% respectively after termination of the treatment, and the average long-term rates were 83\^1%, 89\^3% and 0\^6% respectively. Recurrence occurred in 18 patients(10\^2%). The results indicated that the best efficacy was seen in patients treated with albendazole 12\^5 mg/kg daily for 9 months. Better response was also found when the recurrent patients were re-treated with albendazole. Conclusion The efficacy of albendazole emulsion on patients with liver cystic echinococcosis is much better than that of albendazole tablet or capsule and mebendazole. Meanwhile, the efficacy of albendazole emulsion is stable with less adverse effects. The results suggest that albendazole emulsion could be the drug of choice for treatment of cystic hydatid disease.