Randomized Clinical Trial on Ivermectin versus Thiabendazole for the Treatment of Strongyloidiasis
2011

Ivermectin vs. Thiabendazole for Strongyloidiasis Treatment

Sample size: 198 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bisoffi Zeno, Buonfrate Dora, Angheben Andrea, Boscolo Marina, Anselmi Mariella, Marocco Stefania, Monteiro Geraldo, Gobbo Maria, Bisoffi Giulia, Gobbi Federico

Primary Institution: Centre for Tropical Diseases, S. Cuore Hospital, Negrar (Verona), Italy

Hypothesis

Is ivermectin more effective and safer than thiabendazole for treating strongyloidiasis?

Conclusion

Ivermectin is better tolerated than thiabendazole, but both drugs have similar efficacy in treating strongyloidiasis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Efficacy was 56.6% for ivermectin and 52.2% for thiabendazole.
  • Mild to moderate side effects were observed in 20.9% of patients taking ivermectin compared to 73.1% in the thiabendazole group.
  • The study included 198 patients who completed follow-up.

Takeaway

This study looked at two medicines to treat a worm infection. Both worked about the same, but one had fewer side effects.

Methodology

A phase III, randomized, open-label trial comparing ivermectin and thiabendazole in patients with strongyloidiasis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in side effect reporting due to knowledge of the treatment received.

Limitations

The trial was not double-blind, which may have influenced side effect reporting.

Participant Demographics

Patients were male and female, older than 5 years, and weighing more than 15 kg.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.53

Statistical Significance

p=0.53

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001254

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