Drugs for treating neurocysticercosis (tapeworm infection of the brain) (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 14 July 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: Anthelminthic drugs may shrink brain cysts in neurocysticercosis, but can also cause severe adverse effects.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of drug treatment in human neurocysticercosis in relation to survival, cyst persistence, subsequent seizures and hydrocephalus.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register and Medline. We contacted researchers and experts in the field and drug manufacturers.

Selection criteria: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing a cysticidal drug with a placebo or a control group receiving symptomatic therapy, in patients with neurocystercosis.

Data collection and analysis: Assessment of trial quality and data extraction was done independently by two reviewers.

Main results: Four studies involving 305 people met the inclusion criteria. None reported on withdrawal of anticonvulsant therapy, headache relief, disability or death as outcomes. A difference just approaching significance was detected between cysticidal therapy and placebo in relation to cyst persistence up to six months (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.99). Two trials reported on seizures after one to two years follow-up and found no difference (relative risk 0.95, 95% 0.59 to 1.51). There was no difference detected for hydrocephalus (relative risk 2.19, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 16.55).

Reviewers' conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to assess whether cysticidal therapy in neurocysticerosis is associated with beneficial effects.

Citation: Salinas R, Prasad K. Drugs for treating neurocysticercosis (tapeworm infection of the brain) (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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