Further trials with stibophen in the treatment of schistosomiasis japonica

ABSTRACT

In view of the absence thus far of a more effective and less toxic schistosomicide, a review and more thorough evaluation of the efficacy of stibophen was carried out. Three different schedules of treatment were tried wherein 10 and 15 injections were given every other day (Schedule I and II respectively) and 15 injections with 2 days interval between injections (Schedule III). A dose of 1 cc/10 kg. body weight per injection was used. Follow-up of the treated patients for a period of 6 months showed that Schedules II and III with mean cure rates of 66.4% and 53.4%, respectively, were better than Schedule I. Mild to moderate reactions occurred in majority of the patients treated with two having severe body weakness so that treatment had to be continued. Generally, less reactions were observed among children compared to adults. For the treatment of cases therefore, the use of 15 injections given either every other day or every fourth day is recommended especially among children 14 years and below.(Auth. Abs.)