Ivermectin-Albendazole Combination Therapy in Lymphatic Filariasis of the Upper Limb: Case Report

Abstract

The commonest manifestation of lymphatic filariasis is lymphoedema, which on progression leads on to elephantiasis. Even though lower limbs are commonly affected, upper limbs involvement is rarely reported in West Africa especially in females. In the present report a 19 year old female (BMI 20.49 kg/m²) in the West-African subregion presented with swelling of the right upper limb of 4 weeks duration with associated pruritus and hyperpigmented lesions interspersed with hypopigmentation in the affected limb. There was a dramatic recession in the lymphoedema within 2 weeks following the administration of ivermectin and albendazole combination therapy. The adverse effect observed following the use of this combination was mild. This confirms the efficacy and safety of the above combination in the management of lymphatic filariasis. 

Keywords: Lymphatic filariasis, Lypmhoedema, Combination therapy, Ivermectin, Albendazole