Hydatid Disease
Description Diagnostic criteria General and supportive measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: B67 DESCRIPTION The development of hydatid ( Echinococcus granulosus ) cysts follows ingestion of worm ova that are usually passed in the stools of dogs in sheep farming areas. Cysts may occur in any organ, but are most commonly found in the liver and lungs. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Typical r
General and supportive measures
ICD-10 code: B67
DESCRIPTION
The development of hydatid (Echinococcus granulosus) cysts follows ingestion of worm ova that are usually passed in the stools of dogs in sheep farming areas. Cysts may occur in any organ, but are most commonly found in the liver and lungs.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
- Typical radiological features.
- Diagnostic aspiration of an organ cyst should never be attempted.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Prevent infestation by:
- hand washing,
- adequate food preparation.
- Surgical removal of cysts may be indicated.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Albendazole, oral, 15 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 400 mg 12 hourly with a fatty meal (e.g. a glass of full cream milk).
- Duration is 3–6 months according to response on imaging for inoperable cysts or 14–28 days before and 28 days after PAIR [Percutaneous puncture, Aspiration, Injection (of a scolecidal agent), Re-aspiration] or surgery.
- Monitor liver function tests and FBC monthly.
REFERRAL
- All with liver cysts refered for PAIR, which should be carried out under expert supervision.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 8: Infective/Infectious Diseases, 8.4 Hydatid Disease