Assessment of hepatic periportal Fibrosis in Schistosoma mansoni Infected Sudanese Patients after Treatment with Praziquante

Abstract

Schistosoma mansoni infection in Sudan cause serious health problems and economic consequences especially among schoolchildren, women of reproductive age and the working group of agriculture-associated people resulting into serious health and economic consequences. Praziquantel has been introduced as the drug of choice for the infected people. The reversal of the serious pathology (PPF) had been a dream in the past time but now, and according to different reports becomes a reality.The aim of this study was to cast a light on the possible factors that affect changes in the grade of PPF 12 months after treatment of the patients with praziquantel.The study enrolled 100 Sudanese nationals diagnosed as schistosomiasis patients with active Schistosoma mansoni infection complicated with different grades of PPF were enrolled in the study. All the participants underwent abdominal ultrasonography evaluating the grade of PPF and given praziquantel as treatment according to appropriate dose for each of them (40 mg/kg BW). They were further assessed by ultrasonography 12 months later.It was found that, 46 (46%) grades of PPF regressed to the lower grades of fibrosis, 34 (34%) remained stable and 20(20%) progressed to the higher grades of fibrosis. Age and gender were significantly associated with changes in grades of PPF. Regression of PPF among females and young age group patients was more likely than that for males and old patients. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ethical committee of the University of Gezira and from the State Ministry of Health, Wad Medani .Sudan and informed consent was declared to the participants prior to commencement of the study