Epidemiological, laboratory and clinical Features of childhood hydatid disease

Abstract

Objective: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. It is an important cause of morbidity in endemic areas and can be life threatening. In our country it can occur from childhood onwards and usually requires the prolonged use of medications. Material and Methods: Twelve paediatric cases admitted to the Ege University Children's Hospital with various symptoms and diagnosed with hydatid disease between 2009 and 2011 were included in the study. Results: During a 3-year period 12 patients (5 female, 7 male; mean age 11±2 years; range 6 to 14 years) were admitted to the hospital because of fatigue, nausea, fever and cough, abdominal pain, or back pain, or were diagnosed incidentally. Complete blood count tests revealed mild eosinophilia (mean=490±158/ mm3); two cases admitted with fever (16%) had elevated C reactive protein levels and leucocytosis. All patients were treated with Albendazole (10 mg/kg/d), seven were treated surgically, four (33%) were treated with percutanous drainage (PAIR: puncture, aspiration, injection, re-aspiration) and two (16%) did not need invasive procedures and remain in follow up. Conclusion: This study presents the course of hydatid disease and emphasizes the diagnostic challenges in follow up. © 2013 by Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.