Epidemiology of hydatid disease in Qatar: A hospital based study from 2000 to 2013

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile, treatment and outcome for hydatid diseases among the patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2013. Descriptive statistics including range and percentage were used in analyzing the patient characteristics and laboratory parameters. Results: Hydatid disease was confirmed in 32 patients. The mean age of them was (35.59±13.00) years (range 11-67 years) and 90.6% (29/32) of them were non-Qataris with male predominance. The main presenting symptom was abdominal pain 71.9% (23/32) followed by fever 45.9% (15/32). The main presenting sign was hepatomegaly 62.5% (20/32). Single organ involvement was found in 87.5% (28/32) and the common site involved was the liver 81.3% (26/32) followed by the lung 15.6% (5/32). The diagnosis was established by abdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal CT and confirmed by serology in all patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 90.6% (29/32) patients. All patients received albendazole, and 90.6% (29/32) patients had surgical intervention. Duration of albendazole therapy was (53.9±51.5) d. All patients were cured. Conclusions: Hydatid disease is uncommon in Qatar. It occurs mainly among non-Qataris from endemic areas and affects the liver mostly. Surgical intervention and albendazole administration are highly effective.