19 research outputs found
Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in field-based studies: a combined clinical and sonographic definition
Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy due to Schistosoma mansoni: report on 23 cases
Schistosoma mansoni  infection is likely to be responsible for
a significant proportion of cases of myelopathy occurring in areas
where schistosomiasis is endemic. The aim of this study is to describe
the clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data of 23 patients with
schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. The medical records of 23 patients
with schistosomal myelopathy admitted to two general hospitals of Belo
Horizonte (MG), in Brazil, from 1995 to 1999, were reviewed
retrospectively. Seventeen patients were male (74%). The mean age for
the whole group was 27 years. Lower limb weakness and associated lumbar
and/or lower limb pain were reported by 20 patients (87%), and 16 (70%)
were unable to walk. All individuals presented urinary retention and 19
(83%) complained of intestinal dysfunction. The treatment was based on
the association of antischistosomal drugs and corticosteroids. Five
patients (22%) presented a full response to treatment, 13 (57%) partial
response without functional limitations and 4 (17%) partial improvement
with limitations or no response. Three out of the 4 patients who
stopped steroids before 45 days of treatment developed recurrence of
the symptoms and signs of myelopathy. Our cases demonstrate the severe
presentation of the disease and the data disclosed here suggest that
treatment with steroids should be kept for months after clinical
improvement