Sir, the recent article on neurocysticercosis is very interesting 11 . Takayanagui OM. Neurocysticercosis. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2013;71:710-713. . Takayanagui raised many interesting points. First, Takayanagui noted that “the clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis largely depend on the host immune response against the parasite” 11 . Takayanagui OM. Neurocysticercosis. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2013;71:710-713. . In fact, there are many factors affecting the clinical presentation and immunity is one of those factors. For example, the anatomical site of infestation is also an important determinant for clinical feature. If the lesion is at vital structure or cause obstruction, the early clinical presentation can be expected whereas the silent infestation for a very long time can be seen in cases that the affected sites is a non-vital structure. Second, the use of antiparasitic drug and its effectiveness and efficacy in neurocysticercosis is another point to be further discussed. Until present, Nogales-Gaete et al. noted that “evidence based medicine does not have a definitive answer about the treatment” 22 . Nogales-Gaete J, Arriagada C, Salinas R. Treatment of neurocysticercosis: a review. Rev Med Chil 2006;134:789-796. . Nevertheless, the use of “cysticidal drugs” becomes the new hope for the management of neurocysticercosis 33 . Del Brutto OH. Neurocysticercosis: a review. Sci World J 2012;2012:159-821. . According to the “report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology”, Baird et al. noted that “albendazole plus either dexamethasone or prednisolone should be considered for adults and children with neurocysticercosis” 44 . Baird RA, Wiebe S, Zunt JR, Halperin JJ, Gronseth G, Roos KL. Evidence-based guideline: treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2013;80:1424-1429. .
References
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1Takayanagui OM. Neurocysticercosis. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2013;71:710-713.
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2Nogales-Gaete J, Arriagada C, Salinas R. Treatment of neurocysticercosis: a review. Rev Med Chil 2006;134:789-796.
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3Del Brutto OH. Neurocysticercosis: a review. Sci World J 2012;2012:159-821.
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4Baird RA, Wiebe S, Zunt JR, Halperin JJ, Gronseth G, Roos KL. Evidence-based guideline: treatment of parenchymal neurocysticercosis: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2013;80:1424-1429.
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
Mar 2014
History
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Received
29 Oct 2013 -
Accepted
07 Nov 2013