[Human fasciolasis and gastrointestinal compromise: study of 277 patients in the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital (1970-2002)].

This is a retrospective and descriptive review of 277 patients suffering fasciolasis. These patients were seen in Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia between 1970-2002; 240 (86.6%) developed the chronic phase and 37 (13.3%) the acute form. Group aged 20-29 years were the most affected (24%). The main places infected were the interandean valleys of Lima, Ancash and Junin. The 277 patients the main symptoms were: abdominal pain in 236, nausea/vomiting in 106 and diarrhea in 100. Hepatomegaly in 56, pallor in 44 and fever in 23 were the main physical findings. 47% (80/169) suffered eosinophilia, 46% (38/82) had an increase of alkaline phosphatase and 31% (52/169) anemia.