Hydatid Disease

Description 

General measures

Medicine treatment

Referral

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ICD-10 code: B67.0-9

DESCRIPTION

Cysts of E. granulosus, acquired from ingestion of helminth ova passed out in dog faeces, particularly in sheep-farming areas. Cysts may occur in any organ but are most commonly found in the liver and lungs.

GENERAL MEASURES

Definitive treatment with surgery or PAIR (Percutaneous Aspiration Injection of helminthicidal agent and Re-aspiration) is preferred for all accessible lesions.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

With medical therapy, cure is achieved in about half, improvement in about a quarter and no response in about a quarter of cases:

LoE:IIIb^xxix

• Albendazole, oral, 15 mg/kg/day up to maximum of 400 mg 12 hourly with meals.
  • Duration is 3–6 months according to response on imaging for inoperable cysts or 14–28 days before and 28 days after PAIR/surgery.
  • Monitor liver function tests and FBCs monthly.

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REFERRAL

All cases to a centre with experience in surgery and PAIR.

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Adult Hospital Level, 2020-2024_Version 1.2_20 January 2025

Chapter 9 Systemic and Healthcare-Associated Infections_9.6 Hydatid Disease