To assess & compare clinical efficacy and tolerability of nitazoxanide and metronidazole in patients with uncomplicated amoebic liver abscess: An observational study.

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Dr. Vandana Goyal, Dr. Sunil Kumar Mathur, Dr. Mahavir Prasad Sharma, Dr. Meena Sharma

Introduction: Amoebiasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common

manifestation of extra intestinal disease.

Present study was done to compare the efficacy of nitazoxanide with metronidazole in patients with uncomplicated ALA in tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: In this prospective, observational study; 60 patients of ALA (> 12 years) were included and randomized into two treatment groups

for 10 days therapy. Detailed history, clinical examination, U.S.G. and serology were done in all patients at day1, 5, 10 and 40. Clinical

improvement and sonographic assessments were done and compared with baseline values. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results: ALA was more common in males (21–40 years) and in low socioeconomic status. Most common symptoms were abdomen pain and fever

and signs were tenderness, hepatomegaly and jaundice. After day 40; mean volume of liver abscess reduced from 233.53 ml to 81.03 ml in group A

& 214.27 ml to 97.22 ml in group B. After 6 month cavity resolved in all patients.

Conclusion: Both groups achieved the end points of pain free and afile with equal rapidity. Total adverse events were less in group A versus

group B (7 & 50). There was significant difference in metallic taste (0&19), nausea (1&18) and headache (1&6) in group A&B respectively.

In conclusion both nitazoxanide & metronidazole were similar in efficacy and safety in treating small ALA. Nitazoxanide is having better patient

tolerability.