ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the current situation of patients with advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou, and to provide a basis for scientific management, medical assistance, and improvement of patients' quality of life. Methods Questionnaire survey, physical examination and B-ultrasound examination were performed on the registered patients with advanced schistosomiasis. The diagnosis and classification were carried out according to the “Schistosomiasis Control Manual”. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics, disease classification, and medical and financial assistance of all existing patients were analyzed. Results There were 2 420 cases of advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou. Their distribution was highly correlated with the cumulative area of oncomelania snails and the cumulative number of schistosomiasis patients in each district (county) (r=0.949, P2=26.591, P2 =226.034, P<0.001), and the condition of patients with ascites was the worst. 1 438 patients' labor level was reduced, and 540 patients lost their labor ability, while only 442 patients were normal. Age increase (β=0.012，P<0.001), clinical classification being ascites type (β=0.346，P<0.001) and need for treatment (β=0.298，P<0.001) were risk factors for the loss of labor ability in patients with late schistosomiasis. The stable condition of the disease (β= -0.089，P=0.001) was a protective factor. Conclusion There are a large number of advanced schistosomiasis cases in Suzhou, and the epidemiological characteristics of advanced schistosomiasis patients in different districts (cities) are different. The relief work of advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou should focus on the historical heavy epidemic areas, strengthen the nursing care of the elderly patients, and pay attention to the quality of life of patients with ascites. It is also important to strengthen the follow-up nursing of patients with splenomegaly to avoid turning into ascites. All districts and counties should be guided by the characteristics of local patients and formulate targeted scientific management methods and rescue policies to improve the quality of life of patients.