Emetine hydrochloride and dehydroemetine combined with chloroquine in the treatment of children with amoebic liver abscess

Abstract

Emetine hydrochloride combined with chloroquine cured 9 of 12 children with amoebic liver abscess. An alternative combination of dehydroemetine with chloroquine produced cure in 11 of 12 children. No relapses were observed. Electrocardiographic changes, consisting only of T wave inversion, were noted in 6 who received emetine and in 3 given dehydroemetine. Although the immediate case fatality rate may not be significantly influenced, a combination of either preparation with chloroquine appears to reduce the relapse rate. Dehydroemetine is preferred to emetine hydrochloride since not only may it be more effective but it is possibly safer even in higher dosage.