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Biomedical subjects

Leanne M Fox

Publications and source records attributed to Leanne M Fox.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Neonatal babesiosis: case report and review of the literature.

A case of transfusion-associated neonatal babesiosis is presented. Jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia developed in this preterm infant. The diagnosis was eventually made by blood smear, serology and polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with clindamycin and quinine and made a favorable recovery. Of neonatal babesiosis reported in the literature, 9 other cases are reviewed, including 6 that were transfusion-associated, 2 congenital and 2 tick transmitted.

Adult↗

Ivermectin: uses and impact 20 years on.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ivermectin was first discovered and used in veterinary medicine over 20 years ago. This review highlights some of the recent published research from 2005 through June 2006 on the use of ivermectin in both helminth and arthropod infection. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, several published studies have detailed the expanding role for ivermectin in multiple endo and ectoparasitic infections, including scabies, pediculosis, soil transmitted helminths, gnathostomiasis and myiasis. In addition, there is increasing experience with parenteral ivermectin for the treatment of disseminated strongyloidiasis. The success of ivermectin in reducing Onchocerca volvulus and Wuchereria bancrofti transmission through universal treatment in disease control programs continues to be well documented, but recent epidemiologic data describe suboptimal response to ivermectin by O. volvulus in a minority of individuals, the molecular markers for which are currently under investigation. SUMMARY: Over 20 years of research and clinical use have advanced ivermectin from its beginnings as a veterinary anthelmintic to its significant role in several successful disease control programs. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand the basis for suboptimal response and to better define optimal drug regimens for varying diseases.

Animals↗

Ultrasonographic examination of Haitian children with lymphatic filariasis: a longitudinal assessment in the context of antifilarial drug treatment.

To assess the clinical findings associated with detection of adult Wuchereria bancrofti worms on ultrasound, 186 schoolchildren in a filariasis-endemic area of Haiti underwent physical and ultrasonographic examinations. The filaria dance sign (FDS) of adult W. bancrofti was detected in the inguinal and crural lymphatics of 28 (15%) children. FDS detection was more common in older children (P = 0.003) and in those with a history of inguinal lymph node inflammation (P = 0.002) or crural lymphadenopathy on physical exam (P = 0.01). Twenty-five FDS-positive children were reexamined after three annual cycles of mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis (LF). The total number of adult worm nests detected by ultrasound decreased from 29 to 4 (P </=0.0001). FDS and lymphangiectasia were detected in the intrascrotal (N = 3) and inguinal (N = 1) lymphatic vessels of three postpubescent boys. This study demonstrates clinical and subclinical findings of LF in FDS-positive children.

Adolescent↗

Tolerance and efficacy of combined diethylcarbamazine and albendazole for treatment of Wuchereria bancrofti and intestinal helminth infections in Haitian children.

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the tolerance, efficacy, and nutritional benefit of combining chemotherapeutic treatment of intestinal helminths and lymphatic filariasis. Children were infected with Ascaris (30.7%), Trichuris (53.4%), and hookworm (9.7%) with 69.9% having more than one of these parasites. A total of 15.8% of the children had Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae. Children were randomly assigned treatment with placebo, albendazole (ALB), diethylcarbamazine (DEC), or combined therapy. The combination of DEC/ALB reduced microfilarial density compared with placebo, ALB, or DEC (P < or = 0.03). Albendazole and DEC/ALB reduced the prevalence of Ascaris, Trichuris, and hookworm more than placebo or DEC (P < or = 0.03). Among Trichuris-infected children, those receiving ALB and DEC/ALB demonstrated greater gains in weight compared with placebo (P < or = 0.05). Albendazole and DEC/ALB were equally efficacious in treating intestinal helminths and for children with W. bancrofti microfilaremia, DEC/ALB was more effective than DEC, with no increase in severity of adverse reactions.

Albendazole↗