High-dose benznidazole in a 62-year-old Bolivian kidney transplant recipient with Chagas central nervous system involvement. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montero, M.; Mir, M.; Sulleiro, E.; Avalos Esquivel, J.L.; García López, E.; Molina-Morant, D.; López Montesinos, I.; Sorlí, L.; Veliz Espinosa, G.; Mounteis Oliva, E.; Crespo, M.; Monge, I.; Horcajada, J.P.; Grau, S.; Pascual, J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 78(2019)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Chagas disease -- Kidney transplant recipient -- Chagoma -- Benznidazole dose -- Benznidazole PK/PD; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.10.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a global problem with an increasing impact on public health. Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation may occur in immunosuppressed patients, so it should be taken into account in the screening and differential diagnosis of patients from endemic areas. Only benznidazole and nifurtimox have been approved for use in the treatment of patients with Chagas disease, a current worldwide health problem. There is dearth of available information on benznidazole dosage and the levels achieved in cerebrospinal fluid. Abstract: There is little published data on benznidazole dosing, or levels in cerebrospinal fluid. In this report, we describe the clinical course of an immunosuppressed patient with Chagas central nervous system involvement. He was treated successfully with larger benznidazole doses than are recommended, in order to reach therapeutically effective concentrations in the brain.